Creeping Fat Assessed by Small Bowel MRI Is Linked to Bowel Damage and Abdominal Surgery in Crohn’s Disease

Background Crohn’s disease (CD) leads to bowel damage and surgery in a significant proportion of patients. Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of creeping fat assessed by small bowel MRI in CD patients. Methods CD patients undergoing small bowel MRI were included in a retrospective observational cohort study. Clinical findings were extracted and correlated with radiological outcome measures. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors associated with a complicated course and surgery within 2 years and long-term follow-up. Results Ninety patients (49% female, median follow-up 93 months) were included. Creeping fat was identified in 21.1%. Of these patients, 68% and 79% developed bowel damage ( p