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Value of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of wall inflammation and fibrosis in Crohn’s disease

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Abstract

This review focuses specifically on the diagnostic value of T2-weighted imaging in the assessment of Crohn’s disease (CD) inflammation. In general, T2-weighted imaging has been less extensively investigated than T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced imaging, even if it may offer similar information on disease activity. Furthermore, T2-weighted imaging allows CD characterization, which is crucial in the management of the disease when differentiating intestinal edema from fibrosis. Technical aspects, morphological findings and signs of active intestinal inflammation and fibrosis detectable on T2-weighted images will be reviewed and shown. Correlation between T2-weighted imaging findings, clinical activity indexes and histopathology features will be discussed. Since T2-weighted imaging is essential in the evaluation of CD activity, it should always complement with T1-weighted imaging, although it could also be used alone in the assessment of CD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy

    F. Maccioni, I. Staltari & A. R. Pino

  2. Department of Clinical Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy

    A. Tiberti

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  1. F. Maccioni
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  2. I. Staltari
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Correspondence to F. Maccioni.

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Maccioni, F., Staltari, I., Pino, A.R. et al. Value of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of wall inflammation and fibrosis in Crohn’s disease. Abdom Imaging 37, 944–957 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-012-9853-y

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