Comparison of the results of computerized tomographic and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging techniques in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Aim: To compare the findings obtained by computerised tomography (CT) enterography, which uses oral neutral contrast material and non-contrasted diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) technique and reveal the diagnostic value of DW-MRI in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Methods: Patients with established or clinically suspect diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease were included in the study. CT enterography and DW-MRI obtained from the patients were evaluated by a radiologist blinded to the endoscopic and/or histopathological results. Duodenum, jejunum, ileal loops, ascending, transverse, descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum were evaluated in that order as for general imaging quality, luminal distension and adequate visualization of the intestinal wall. Image qualities of neutral contrast CT-enterography and DW-MRI were compared.

Results: The study included 31 patients. Based on statistical analyses, the best correlation between the results of CT-enterography and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were observed in the evaluation of transverse colon, ileum and duodenum in order of decreasing frequency and with an almost perfect compatibility. Radiological findings of sigmoid colon, jejunum and descending colon were completely compatible. However, a moderate degree of compatibility was estimated between radiological findings of rectum and cecum.

Conclusions: Though conventional enteroclysis is the gold standard method among radiological imaging techniques used for the evaluation of inflammatory small intestinal abnormalities, CT enterography and DW-MRI are alternative methods that can be used effectively to obtain useful information.