Evaluation Of Ulcerative Colitis Research Articles

Magnetic resonance imaging with ferumoxil, a negative superparamagnetic oral contrast agent, in the evaluation of ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of new oral contrast agents that enhance image quality has increased the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of ulcerative colitis. The aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of a new negative superparamagnetic oral contrast (ferumoxil) alone or in association with gadolinium i.v. in the assessment of the disease. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with clinically active ulcerative colitis and 10 control subjects entered the study. In each patient a clinical, endoscopic, histological, and MRI evaluation was performed. In particular, in 14 patients affected by ulcerative colitis (group A) and in five controls, magnetic resonance images were acquired 1 h after the oral administration of 900 ml of ferumoxil, while the remaining 14 patients (group B) and five controls were submitted to double-contrast MRI (ferumoxil and gadolinium). In both groups, wall thickness, length of affected bowel segments, and, in group B, also percent contrast enhancement were calculated. RESULTS: The comparison of endoscopic and MRI extent of disease was statistically significant. Wall thickness and, in group B, also percent contrast enhancement were significantly correlated with clinical and endoscopic activities. In each group wall thickness was significantly different in the activity phases of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: MRI with negative superparamagnetic oral contrast is comparable to endoscopy in the assessment of ulcerative colitis. The double-contrast imaging does not provide more information than single oral contrast, so we concluded that the latter is preferable in the follow-up of the disease and in patients unable or with a poor compliance to undergo endoscopy.

Endoscopic Characteristics of the Healing Process of Ulcerative Colitis

This study compared the histologic characteristics of ulcerative colitis with findings on conventional colonoscopy and on magnification and dye application for 70 sites that underwent biopsy. The primary objective was to study the correspondence between histologic findings and endoscopic findings with respect to glandular restructuring and the resolution of inflammation from the active to the remission phase of ulcerative colitis. Widened grooves, as assessed by the endoscopic staining technique and magnified observation, most closely correlated with histologic evidence of resolution of inflammation, and vascular markings and color tone of the mucosa on general colonoscopy most closely correlated with histologic evidence of glandular restructuring, such as glandular maturity. Magnifying endoscopy after dye application, in addition to conventional endoscopy, is therefore considered essential in the evaluation of ulcerative colitis during the resolving phase.