Abstract

MR enterography in Crohn disease: a perspective on methodology, interpretation and utility

Author(s): Diego R Martin, James Costello, Bobby Kalb, Cary Sauer and Steve Goldschmid

This article reviews MR enterography (MRE), contrasts MRE to other available tests and provides recommendations for optimal use of MRE in the clinical management of Crohn’s disease. A review of Crohn’s disease and diagnostic approaches is introduced. MRE is described from a historical perspective, and a technical approach with key essential elements vital to optimal diagnostic yield is described. MRE is contrasted to disease activity index, capsule and optical endoscopy, small bowel follow-through or enteroclysis, and CT enterography. Key patterns of findings on MRE in correlation with pathological relationships are summarized. Recommendations for clinical use of MRE are then provided, including how to use MRE to direct therapeutic management.