As intestinal ultrasound (IUS) becomes more mainstream in the monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease, interest is gaining in more advanced IUS techniques. Intestinal ultrasound is an attractive imaging modality as it is accurate in detecting disease activity but also is preferred by patients, is cheaper and environmentally friendly and is now being used in clinical trials as an endpoint. Alongside this, new therapeutics exploring the fibrotic element of Crohn’s disease are being developed potentially opening the door to novel treatment pathways.

For stricturing Crohn’s disease, determining the difference between inflammatory and fibrotic strictures is fundamental to determine the optimal treatment strategy. We will explore whether IUS can accurately differentiate between fibrotic and inflammatory disease as well as those with a mixed phenotype. We will also touch upon advanced techniques that can be used to optimise the sensitivity including elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Speakers:

Dr William Blad – Consultant Gastroenterologist, Barts Health NHS Trust

Timing – approximate:

Presentation: 20 minutes
Questions: 10 minutes