Intestinal Ultrasound: Envisioning a New Future for Crohn's Disease Management

Abstract

The use of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in the clinical assessment of intestinal disorders remains in its infancy in North America. We present a case in which IUS was used as a complement to Crohn’s disease treatment in a 19-year-old man. After endoscopy and diagnosis, IUS was employed alongside other investigations to elucidate the extent of disease activity. It allowed identification and monitoring of complications such as free fluid and mucosal inflammation. IUS provided a marker of disease activity, even during apparent clinical remission. This case demonstrates that IUS can enhance disease monitoring and inform direction of therapy.