AGA has released a new Clinical Practice Update to help you utilize intestinal ultrasounds when managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) offers a valuable, noninvasive method for assessing and monitoring IBD. This clinical practice update authored by Drs. Mallory Chavennes, Michael Dolinger, Shirly Cohen-Mekelburg and Bincy Abraham, reviews IUS techniques, its current use in practice and strategies for overcoming barriers to implementing IUS-based care for IBD patients.
Hear from authors Drs. Mallory Chavannes and Shirley Ann Cohen-Mekelburg as they share what you need to know about using intestinal ultrasound in managing inflammatory bowel disease.
Comparison of imaging and endoscopic modalities in assessing disease activity In IBD
| Procedure | Preparation | Procedural Risk | Cost | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal ultrasound | None | None | $ | Limited visualization of stomach, esophagus and rectum; No ability for intervention during the procedure; Exam may be limited by body habitus and overlying bowel gas |
| MR-Enterography | Oral contrast; IV contrast; Fasting required | Contrast-related allergies; Claustrophobia-related discomfort | $$$ | Lower sensitivity for proximal small bowel and colonic disease; No ability for interventional procedures; Weight limitations |
| CT-Enterography | Oral contrast; IV contrast; Fasting required | Contrast-related allergies; Radiation exposure | $$ | No ability for interventional procedure |
| Video Capture Endoscopy | Optional bowel prep; Fasting required | Capsule retention | $$ | Higher sensitivity for smaller lesions; No ability for interventional procedure; Limited by patient's ability to swallow pill camera |
| Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and Ileocolonoscopy |
Full bowel preparation; Fasting required; Sedation/anesthesia | Bowel perforation; Hemorrhage; Infection; Sedation-related risks | $$$$ | No small intestinal evaluation proximal to terminal ileum; Limited assessment in stenotic disease |
Key IUS features of active disease
Read the full AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Role of Intestinal Ultrasound in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Commentary, published in the September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
