Why and when are activity scores and advanced ultrasound techniques needed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Abstract

In addition to avoidance of radiation exposure, the main advantages of ultrasound diagnostics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are its' immediate availability, also as a component of the physical examination (extended point of care), its' repeatability and its' high patient comfort. The fact that the examination is carried out directly by the treating physician and is not delegated to the radiologist increases compliance and therapy adherence of the patients.In the current series of papers a synopsis of recommendations for ultrasound in IBD guidelines, ultrasound parameters in inflammatory bowel disease including activities scores, the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), small intestinal contrast ultrasound (SICUS) and elastography, perineal ultrasound (PNUS), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) including endorectal ultrasound (ERUS), interventional ultrasound (INVUS), detection of disease complications (stenoses, fistula, abscess), extraintestinal manifestations, differential diagnosis, evaluation of treatment response and outlook are discussed and illustrated.