Crohn's Fistulas Research Articles

Treatment of abdominal fistulas in Crohn's disease and monitoring with abdominal ultrasonography.

to assess the usefulness of medical treatment to achieve closure of internal fistulas detected on abdominal ultrasound in a series of patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease. a retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of patients with Crohn's disease with a fistula detected on abdominal ultrasound from 2010 to 2018. The study included patients who received medical treatment after the diagnosis of this complication and underwent ultrasonographic monitoring of the therapeutic response. The factors associated with the response to medical treatment or the need for surgery were investigated. forty-six patients were included in the study. Enteromesenteric (69.6 %) was the most common type of fistula and associated abscesses were found in 14 (30.4 %) patients. Fistulas were classified as complex in 20 patients. Treatment with immunosuppressants was started in 14 (30.4 %) cases and a biologic drug was added in 18 (39.1 %) patients. Complete closure of the abdominal fistula was observed with ultrasonography in 24 (52.2 %) of the 46 patients. The only factor related to fistula closure was the type of fistula and was more likely to occur in patients with an enteromesenteric fistula. Thirteen (28 %) of the 46 patients needed a surgical resection. The only factor with a significant correlation with a lower need for surgery was fistula closure after treatment (8.3 % vs 50 %, p = 0.002). medical treatment achieves internal fistula closure in more than half of cases and almost a third require surgical treatment. Abdominal ultrasound can detect abdominal fistulas at an earlier stage and allow prompt treatment changes.

MRI of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease.

Perianal fistulas represent one of the most critical complications of Crohn’s disease (CD). Management and treatment need a multidisciplinary approach with an accurate description of imaging findings.Aim.This study aspires to assess the significative role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the study of perianal fistulas, secondary extensions, and abscess in patients with CD. Therefore it is essential to standardize an appropriate protocol of sequences that allow the correct evaluation of disease activity and complications.Methods:We selected and reviewed ten recent studies among the most recent ones present in literature exclusively about pelvic MRI imaging and features in CD. We excluded studies that weren’t in the English language.Conclusions:MRI has a crucial role in the evaluation and detection of CD perianal fistulas because, thanks to its panoramic and multiplanar view, it gives excellent anatomic detail of the anal sphincters. Today MRI is the gold standard imaging technique for the evaluation of perianal fistulas, mainly because this technique shows higher concordance with surgical findings than does any other imaging evaluation. Surgical treatment is often required in the management of perianal fistula in patients with CD, which often have complex perineal findings. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Allogeneic, mesenchymal stem cells (ALOFISEL) are eff ective in eradicating complex peri-anal fi stulas in Crohn’s disease

Allogeneic, mesenchymal stem cells (ALOFISEL) are eff ective in eradicating complex peri-anal fi stulas in Crohn’s disease

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Disease

AimTo assess clinical healing in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease with local intrafistular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. MethodThe pilot study was conducted at a single centre between January 2013 and December 2015. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was prepared in platelet-rich and platelet-poor fractions for local intrafistular injection in patients with proven, established perianal Crohn’s disease. Patients were permitted biological therapies, and the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index was recorded. Patients were followed for 48 weeks for clinical signs of healing (complete, partial or non-healing), monitoring fistula drainage, closure and epithelialization. ResultsThe study included 29 patients (19 males; mean age 38 ± 12.8 years) with four exclusions in the operating room because surgery was not indicated and four lost to follow-up. Five adverse events were recorded, with two requiring the drainage of abscess collections. Of the 21 patients assessable at 24 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 7 (33.3%), 8 (38.1%) and 6 (28.6%) patients, respectively. By 48 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 6 (40%), 6 (40%) and 3 (20%) patients, respectively, with a reduction in the number of visible external fistula openings at both time points (P = 0.021). By the end of the study, there was a higher trend of healing if biological therapies were continued (85.7% with biologics vs. 75% without, P = 0.527), but there were no statistically significant differences and no differences in the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index. ConclusionAutologous platelet-rich plasma is safe in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease, with an acceptable healing rate over a medium-term follow-up, particularly if biological therapies are used concomitantly.

Evaluation of the modified Van Assche index for assessing response to anti-TNF therapy with MRI in perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

BackgroundStructured evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important to guide clinical decisions of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. PurposeTo evaluate the recently developed modified Van Assche index to assess clinical responses to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in patients with perianal fistulizing CD. MethodsA search of medical records identified patients with fistulizing perianal CD who underwent baseline and follow-up MRI while receiving anti-TNF treatment. Patients were divided into clinical responders and non-responders based on physician's assessment. MRI-scans were scored using the original and modified Van Assche index and scores between baseline and follow-up were compared within clinical responders and non-responders. ResultsThirty cases were included (48% female, median age 27 years). Clinical responders (n = 16) had a median modified Van Assche score of 9.6 (IQR 5.8–12.7) at baseline and 5.8 (IQR 3.5–8.5) at follow-up (p = 0.008). In non-responders (n = 14), corresponding scores were 7.7 (IQR 5.8–13.5) and 8.2 (IQR 5.8–11.5) (p = 0.624). In clinical responders, 6/16 showed no drop in modified Van Assche score at follow-up. Scores obtained with the original Van Assche index dropped between baseline and follow-up in clinical responders (13.0 vs. 9.6, p = 0.011), whereas no decrease was observed in non-responders (11.5 vs. 11.5, p = 0.324). ConclusionsWhile the modified Van Assche index overall decreases significantly in patients with perianal fistulas responding to anti-TNF treatment, one third of responders had unaltered scores at follow-up. Also, outcomes were comparable to the original Van Assche index. Further optimization of the modified Van Assche index is needed before application in larger studies.

Comparison of cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles in idiopathic and Crohn's disease-related perianal fistula.

BACKGROUNDPerianal fistulae are either primary (idiopathic) or secondary [commonly associated with Crohn’s disease, (CD)]. It is assumed, although not proven, that the pathophysiology differs.AIMTo systematically compare the clinical phenotypes, cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles of idiopathic and CD-related perianal fistulae.METHODSSixty-one patients undergoing surgery for perianal fistula were prospectively recruited (48 idiopathic, 13 CD) into a cohort study. Clinical data, including the Perineal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) and EQ-5D-5L were collected. Biopsies of the fistula tract, granulation tissue, internal opening mucosa and rectal mucosa were obtained at surgery. Concentrations of 30 cytokines and 39 phosphoproteins were measured in each biopsy using a magnetic bead multiplexing instrument and a chemiluminescent antibody array respectively. Over 12000 clinical and 23500 laboratory measurements were made.RESULTSThe PDAI was significantly higher (indicating more active disease) in the CD group with a mean difference of 2.40 (95%CI: 0.52-4.28, P = 0.01). Complex pathoanatomy was more prevalent in the CD group, namely more multiple fistulae, supralevator extensions, collections and rectal thickening. The IL-12p70 concentration at the internal opening specimen site was significantly higher (median difference 19.7 pg/mL, 99%CI: 0.2-40.4, P = 0.008) and the IL-1RA/IL-1β ratio was significantly lower in the CD group at the internal opening specimen site (median difference 15.0, 99%CI = 0.4-50.5, P = 0.008). However in the remaining 27 cytokines and all 39 of the phosphoproteins across the four biopsy sites, no significant differences were found between the groups.CONCLUSIONCD-related perianal fistulae are more clinically severe and anatomically complex than idiopathic perianal fistulae. However, overall there are no major differences in cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract and Endorectal Advancement Flap for High Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and AimsLigation of the intersphincteric fistula tract [LIFT] and advancement flap [AF] procedures are well-established, sphincter-preserving procedures for closure of high perianal fistulas. As surgical fistula closure is not commonly offered in Crohn’s disease patients, long-term data are limited. This study aims to evaluate outcomes after LIFT and AF in Crohn’s high perianal fistulas.MethodsAll consecutive Crohn’s disease patients ≥18 years old treated with LIFT or AF between January 2007 and February 2018 were included. The primary outcome was clinical healing and secondary outcomes included radiological healing, recurrence, postoperative incontinence and Vaizey Incontinence Score.ResultsForty procedures in 37 patients [LIFT: 19, AF: 21, 35.1% male] were included. A non-significant trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages after LIFT compared to AF [89.5% vs 60.0%; p = 0.065]. Overall radiological healing rates were lower for both approaches [LIFT 52.6% and AF 47.6%]. Recurrence rates were comparable: 21.1% and 19.0%, respectively. In AF a trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages when treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor/immunomodulators [75.0% vs 37.5%; p = 0.104]. Newly developed postoperative incontinence occurred in 15.8% after LIFT and 21.4% after AF. Interestingly, 47.4% of patients had a postoperatively improved Vaizey Score [LIFT: 52.9% and AF: 42.9%]. The mean Vaizey Score decreased from 6.8 [SD 4.8] preoperatively to 5.3 [SD 5.0] postoperatively [p = 0.067].ConclusionsBoth LIFT and AF resulted in satisfactory closure rates in Crohn’s high perianal fistulas. However, a discrepancy between clinical and radiological healing rates was found. Furthermore, almost half of the patients benefitted from surgical intervention with respect to continence.

Surgical Techniques and Differences in Postoperative Outcomes for Patients With Crohn’s Disease With Ileosigmoid Fistulas: A Single-Institution Experience, 2010–2016

Surgical treatment of ileosigmoid fistulas in Crohn's disease is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in patient postoperative outcomes for isolated ileosigmoid fistulas by surgical approach (laparoscopic versus open) and sigmoid colon repair type (sigmoid resection versus primary repair). Using a prospectively collected database, we gathered perioperative data from chart reviews to calculate differences and associations between treatment groups. The study was conducted at a single tertiary care center. Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgery for isolated ileosigmoid fistulas between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2016 were included. We identified 84 patients, with an average age of 37 years. A total of 51 were men and 33 were women; 34 underwent a sigmoid resection, whereas 50 had a primary repair of the sigmoid. All of the patients underwent an ileocolic resection. A total of 67 surgeries were initially attempted laparoscopically, of which 17 (25.4%) were converted to open, with 50 (59.5%) completed laparoscopically. There were no significant differences in length of stay or incidence of postoperative complications by surgical approach (laparoscopic versus open). For patients who underwent a primary sigmoid repair versus a sigmoid resection, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications, but there was a significant difference in the length of stay (6.36 vs 9.56 d for primary repair versus resection; multivariate p value of 0.022). Postoperative complications and length of stay were measured. The study was limited by its small sample size, cross-sectional nature of the data, and limited information about preoperative outpatient medical treatment. Laparoscopic surgery for isolated ileosigmoid fistulas in Crohn's disease is safe and does not result in a different length of stay or incidence of postoperative complications. Primary repair (rather than resection) of the sigmoid colon in these cases, when feasible, appears to be safe and is likely to be cost-effective given the reduced length of stay. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A993. TÉCNICAS QUIRÚRGICAS Y DIFERENCIAS EN LOS RESULTADOS POSTOPERATORIOS PARA LOS PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN CON FÍSTULAS ILEO-SIGMOIDEAS: UNA EXPERIENCIA EN UNA SOLA INSTITUCIÓN, 2010-2016: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas ileo-sigmoideas en la enfermedad de Crohn está mal caracterizado. Identificar las diferencias en los resultados postoperatorios de los pacientes para las fístulas ileo-sigmoideas aisladas por abordaje quirúrgico (laparoscópica versus abierta) y tipo de reparación de colon sigmoide (resección sigmoidea versus reparación primaria). DISEÑO:: Utilizando una base de datos recopilada de forma prospectiva, se recopilaron datos perioperatorios de las revisiones de los gráficos para calcular las diferencias y las asociaciones entre los grupos de tratamiento. Un solo centro de atención terciaria. Pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn que se sometieron a una cirugía para fístulas ileo-sigmoideas aisladas entre el 1 de julio de 2010 y el 30 de junio de 2016. Se identificaron 84 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 37 años. Un total de 51 eran hombres y 33 mujeres; 34 se sometieron a una resección sigmoidea, mientras que 50 tuvieron una reparación primaria del sigmoide. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a resección ileocólica. Inicialmente, un total de 67 círugias se intentaron por vía laparoscópica, de las cuales 17 (25,4%) se convirtieron en cirugías abiertas, y 50 (59,5%) se completaron por vía laparoscópica. No hubo diferencias significativas en la duración de la estancia o la incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias por abordaje quirúrgico (laparoscópica versus abierta). Para los pacientes que se sometieron a una reparación sigmoidea primaria versus una resección sigmoidea, no hubo diferencias significativas en las complicaciones postoperatorias, pero sí hubo una diferencia significativa en la duración de la estancia hospitalaria (6,36 versus a 9,56 días para la reparación primaria frente a la resección; p multivariable -valor de 0.022). Complicaciones postoperatorias y duración de la estancia. Tamaño de muestra pequeño, naturaleza transversal de los datos e información limitada sobre el tratamiento médico ambulatorio preoperatorio del paciente. La cirugía laparoscópica para fístulas ileo-sigmoideas aisladas en la enfermedad de Crohn es segura y no ocasiona una duración diferente de la estancia hospitalaria ni una incidencia diferente de complicaciones postoperatorias. La reparación primaria (en lugar de la resección) del colon sigmoide en estos casos, cuando es posible, parece ser segura y es probable que sea rentable, dada la duración reducida de la estancia. Vea el Resumen del Video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A993.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Pouch Fistulas in Crohn's

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Pouch Fistulas in Crohn's

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation for high transphincteric fistulae, Merlini l'Héritier et al.

Obliteration of the internal opening has long been held as the key resolution of high transsphincteric fistulae. This month's Editor's Choice by Merlini l'Héritier et al. evaluated ablation of the tract by applying radiofrequency thermocoagulation 1. They used a control group, selected from a prospective database consisting of patients who underwent occlusion of the fistula tract by a rectal advancement flap, paired-matched for sex, age and the presence of Crohn's disease. The healing rate was only 26% at 5 months after radiofrequency thermocoagulation, vs 68% after flap repair, and dropped further to 10% after 21 months. These findings suggest that obliteration of the fistula tract is not enough to accomplish healing of perianal fistulae in most cases. The authors must be congratulated on publishing these findings. Negative findings provide much needed feedback on the effectiveness of treatment after introducing a new technique or pursuing new indications for a known technique. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation has become common practice as the primary treatment of varicose veins. Recently, new indications for the radiofrequency technique have been defined. For example, obliteration of the sinus in simple pilonidal disease with radiofrequency has been shown to be highly successful 2. We now know that pilonidal disease is caused by loose hairs entering the pits in the intergluteal cleft by their root ends, where a foreign body reaction creates the pilonidal sinus. Consequently, it is understandable that after removing the hairs from the pilonidal cavity, obliteration of the pits by thermocoagulation in order to avoid future potential ports of hair re-entry is a sound treatment principle. The pathophysiology of cryptoglandular and Crohn's fistulae has not been conclusively established. Crohn's disease is thought to be caused by a failure of the intestinal mucosal immune system to tolerate commensal bacteria. The highest healing rates in the featured study were achieved in patients with Crohn's disease (overall success 64 percent) 1. All these patients were on anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy. There is now growing evidence that in patients with Crohn's fistulae, it is essential to combine surgery with biologic agents 2, 3. When managing Crohn's fistulae, combining a surgical procedure, which prevents entry of bacteria to the fistula, with immunotherapy seems to be the logical approach. The overall healing rate in patients with cryptoglandular fistulae was only 41% at 5 months follow-up 1. The persistent inflammation in the anal crypt is nowadays believed to occur as a result of a defective local immune system. Hence, before introduction of new surgical techniques, a better understanding of what process drives this ongoing perianal sepsis is recommended.

Evaluation of Local Co-administration of Autologous ADIpose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction With Microfat for Refractory Perianal CROHN's Fistulas.

Evaluation of Local Co-administration of Autologous ADIpose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction With Microfat for Refractory Perianal CROHN's Fistulas.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Anno 2019: Dawn of the Therapeutic Era? Concise Review.

Summary2018 was the year of the first marketing authorization of an allogeneic stem cell therapy by the European Medicines Agency. The authorization concerns the use of allogeneic adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for treatment of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease. This is a breakthrough in the field of MSC therapy. The last few years have, furthermore, seen some breakthroughs in the investigations into the mechanisms of action of MSC therapy. Although the therapeutic effects of MSCs have largely been attributed to their secretion of immunomodulatory and regenerative factors, it has now become clear that some of the effects are mediated through host phagocytic cells that clear administered MSCs and in the process adapt an immunoregulatory and regeneration supporting function. The increased interest in therapeutic use of MSCs and the ongoing elucidation of the mechanisms of action of MSCs are promising indicators that 2019 may be the dawn of the therapeutic era of MSCs and that there will be revived interest in research to more efficient, practical, and sustainable MSC‐based therapies. stem cells translational medicine 2019;8:1126–1134

Mesenchymal stem-cell therapy for perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mesenchymal stem-cell (MSC) therapy for perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSC therapy for the treatment of perianal fistulas in CD. Electronic databases were searched for studies that reported efficacy and/or safety of MSC therapy for perianal CD (pCD). We used the metaprop command of the meta package in R and RevMan to assess the efficacy and safety. Subgroup analyses were performed for exploration of heterogeneity regarding all outcomes. After screening, 13 trials were included in our study. RevMan for meta-analysis showed that: (1) patients had healed perianal fistulas after MSC treatment, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.05 (P = 0.0002; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 3.00) vs controls; (2) pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to evaluate the healing of fistulas showed that MSC therapy had a higher healing rate (HR) compared to control (OR = 1.95; P = 0.0007; 95% CI 1.33, 2.87). R software for meta-analysis showed that 63% (95% CI 0.53, 0.74) of patients achieved clinical healing as a result of local therapy with MSCs. Random-effects pooled rates of clinical response were 30% (95% CI 0.18, 0.48). Pelvic MRI used to evaluate fistula healing showed a HR of 56% (95% CI 0.46, 0.69). The HR with autologous MSCs was higher than with allogeneic MSCs (79% vs 52%; P < 0.05). Uniform injection of MSCs according to the size of fistulas improve the HR (80% vs 55%; P < 0.05) compared with fixed-dose MSCs. There was no significant increase in adverse events (OR = 1.14; P = 0.54; 95% CI 0.75, 1.74) in patients treated with MSCs and no major MSC-related adverse event has been reported so far. Local administration of MSCs is an effective and safe method for pCD. It also represents hope for effective treatment of refractory pCD.

Surgical Management of Complex Enteric Fistulas in Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel condition that can affect the entire digestive tract and in many cases lead to enteric fistula formation. The management of enteric fistulas can be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Cell-based Therapy for Perianal Fistulising Crohn's Disease.

The management of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) represents a challenge for patients, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. There are clear limitations with current medical and surgical options, and healing rates remain far from what is expected. A multidisciplinary approach with optimized medical therapy, usually anti-TNF agents, associated with setons and additional surgical techniques is currently the best strategy to aim fistula healing. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has recently emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for complex fistulas in CD patients. This review summarizes the evidence of the use of MSCs in complex CD fistulas, by exploring in detail the types of cells that can be used and their modes of delivery. Additionally, the results of the most recent phase III randomized trial with local MSCs injection are described, and future challenges of this therapeutic option are discussed. The use of MSCs represents hope for better outcomes in patients with CD-related perianal fistulas. More research in the field will help to position this specific therapy in treatment algorithms.

Su1916 – Absence of Perianal Symptoms Does Not Mean No Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Disease: Base on Mri Examination

Su1916 – Absence of Perianal Symptoms Does Not Mean No Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Disease: Base on Mri Examination

The clinical efficacy of stem cell therapy for complex perianal fistulas: a meta-analysis.

Treatment of complex anal fistulas remains difficult. However, treatment with stem cells has had an encouraging success rate when applied to complex perianal fistulas. We systematically reviewed the current evidence through meta-analysis. We performed an electronic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library and identified studies (published between January 1946 and August 2017) that used stem cells to treat patients with complex perianal fistula. Each paper was evaluated for treatment success rate, target patients, types of stem cells used, number of cells used, and criteria for complete healing. Potential publication bias was assessed via visual inspection of a funnel plot and Orwin's fail-safe N. Out of 171 papers, 16 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall healing rate of stem cell injection therapy for patients with complex perianal fistulas was 62.8% (95% CI 53.5-71.2, I2 = 54.05%), whereas those for patients with Crohn's perianal fistulas alone and complex anal fistulas not associated with Crohn's disease were 64.1% and 61.5% (p = 0.840), respectively. Healing rates for autologous and allogenic stem cell treatment were 69.4% and 50.7% (p = 0.020), respectively. Four comparative studies out of 16 studies were analyzed separately. Stem cell therapy increased the healing rate compared to the control groups (OR 0.379, 95% CI 0.152-0.947). Stem cell therapy is a good treatment option for complex perianal fistulas, which cannot be healed by conventional operative procedures. However, further research for additional supportive evidence, such as a large-scale randomized controlled trial, is required.

Endorectal Advancement Flaps for Perianal Fistulae in Crohn’s Disease: Careful Patient Selection Leads to Optimal Outcomes

BackgroundAnorectal fistulae resultant from Crohn’s disease (CD) is a clinical challenge. The advent of immune therapy (IT) has altered the way in which fistulae have responded to treatment. Endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) is a surgical procedure that is used to treat complex fistulae. We have employed ERAF as our second stage treatment of choice in this patient population. Our aim was to determine the success of ERAF in treating perianal fistulas in patients with CD in an era of IT. MethodsMulticenter retrospective review from 2007 to 2017 of all patients with CD and a perianal fistulae who underwent ERAF. ResultsForty-one flaps were performed in 39 patients with perianal CD with an average follow-up of 797 days. There were no significant differences in patient demographics; however, all patients who were diverted at the time of surgery had successful healing. Of patients, 73.2% were on IT at an average of 380 days prior to surgery. The duration of single-agent therapy was associated with better healing rates (p = 0.03). The overall failure rate was 19.5% (n = 8). Six patients underwent secondary techniques for fistulae closure; five were successful. In combination with the patients who did not initially fail, the overall healing rate was 92.6%. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates several factors that may improve fistulae closure for CD patients. Patients who were diverted prior to surgery did not have a fistulae recurrence. Patients who were on IT longer prior to ERAF were more likely to achieve successful closure.

Autologous adipose tissue injection promising for treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease.

Autologous adipose tissue injection promising for treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease.

Value of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging for evaluating the inflammatory activity of perianal Crohn's fistula

To explore the value of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) for evaluating inflammatory activity of perianal Crohn's fistula. Methods: A total of 55 patients, who were diagnosed as perianal Crohn's fistula by surgery and/or endoscopy, were assessed retrospectively. All patients, underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 32 weeks after the treatment, were divided into 2 groups according to their response to treatment: an effective group (34 cases) and an ineffective group (21 cases). The MRI images of patients in the 2 groups were analyzed. The changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values before and after treatment in the 2 groups were measured and compared by a paired t-test. An MRI-based score of perianal Crohn's disease severity was calculated as a reference standard, and the correlation between the ADC value and the MRI-based score was analyzed by using a Pearson correlation coefficient method. Results: In the effective group, the ADC values after therapy were significantly greater than those before therapy (P<0.05), but in the ineffective group, there was no significant difference in the ADC value between after and before therapy (P>0.05). There was a strong negative correlation between the ADC values (after and before therapy) and the MRI-based scores in all the patients [in the effective group alone (r=-0.672, P<0.01) or in the effective group + the ineffective group (r=-0.638, P<0.01)]. Conclusion: Changes in the ADC values of perianal fistula are related to the fistula activity. MR-DWI and ADC value can accurately evaluate the inflammatory activity of perianal Crohn's fistula.