Evaluation of colitis: usefulness of CT enterography technique

Computed tomographic enterography (CTE) is a useful technique for evaluating the small bowel and has the capability to include the colon for evaluation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of this study are (1) to determine if CTE is a sensitive method for detecting Crohn colitis and ulcerative colitis and (2) to assess the accuracy of determining the extent and activity of colonic disease in patients with proven IBD. Seventy patients (35 patients with proven colitis at colonoscopy and 35 negative patients with a proven normal colon) having both a CTE examination and recent colonoscopy formed the retrospective study group. A radiologist evaluated the examinations in a blinded fashion for disease presence, activity, and extent. Sensitivity was 93% for the detection of moderate and severe disease in well- distended colons. Specificity was 91%. In good to excellent distended colons, mild, moderate, and severe disease was detected with a sensitivity of 67%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. Severe disease activity was commonly underestimated, and mild disease when detected was usually overestimated. The full extent of colonic disease at CTE was usually underestimated. CTE is a valid technique for detecting colitis in the colon in patients with IBD. Better methods for assessing disease activity and extent are needed.