Impact of magnetic resonance enterography in the management of small bowel Crohn’s disease

INTRODUCTIONMagnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is a relatively new imaging modality that involves small bowel distension with orally administered fluid. Few studies have assessed its impact on patient management. AIMThe aim of this study was to determine whether MRE influenced the management of patients with established small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD). MATERIALS AND METHODSFrom a prospectively maintained database of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, we identified patients with small bowel CD who underwent MRE between January 2007 and December 2010. The results of the MRE and subsequent changes in patient management within 1 month were evaluated. RESULTSThirty women and 27 men with CD were included. Seven patients (12%) had a normal MRE. Forty-two of 57 (74%) patients had a change in management, and 41/50 (82%) patients with an abnormal MRE had changes in management (P