Role of video capsule endoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm of small bowel Crohn's disease

Aim. To evaluate the possibilities of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease (SBCD). Materials and methods. The study included 25 patients (12 men, 13 women) diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The mean age of the patients was 31.84 +/- 10.5 years. The VCE was performed using the Givenlmaging system (Yokneam, Israel), OMOM (China). After the end of each test, the data was analyzed at a rate of 8 to 10 frames per second using Rapid (R) Reader (version 7.0). Results and discussion. The examination of patients in accordance with the diagnostic algorithm showed that for 11 patients (44%) the clinical assumption of SBCD was confirmed only with the help of VCE (1st group). Consequently, the use of VCE in these patients was crucial in the diagnosis of SBCD, since standard methods of analisys were insufficient to establish this diagnosis. For 14 patients (2'd group), the diagnosis of SBCD was established with the help of colonoscopy and/or diagnostic imaging modalities. The use of VCE allowed to confirm the diagnosis, to clarify the localization and extent of inflammation of the small intestine. Conclusion. VCE can be recommended for the diagnosis of SBCD during the period of early inflammatory manifestations in the small intestine mucosa.