CT enterography as a powerful tool for the evaluation of inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease: relationship of CT findings with CDAI and acute-phase reactants

Abstract

Purpose: Few studies have correlated computed tomography enterography (CTE) findings with Crohn’s disease (CD) clinical and biochemical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate correlations between CTE findings with CD activity.Materials and methods: The CTE datasets from 62 patients were retrospectively reviewed for different parameters: bowel wall thickening and hyperenhancement, mesenteric alterations, abdominal free fluid and complications related to the disease (fistulas, strictures, abscesses). Activity was assessed using the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and some biochemical markers (Creactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alpha 2-globulins, fibrinogen, platelets, haemoglobin). Correlations between CTE parameters, clinical activity score and laboratory parameters were assessed by logistic regression.Results: CDAI was significantly correlated with increased fat density (p = 0.03) and intestinal strictures (p = 0.04). Platelet counts were elevated in pati...