Treatment of transmural enteritis: diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Chronic and transmural nature of Crohn’s disease may lead to penetrating and stricturing complications of the disease, requiring surgery and leading to disability and worsening quality of life. The concept of treating Crohn’s disease has evolved. The initial goal of resolution of symptoms has been replaced with „treat-to-target“ approach, setting endoscopic and clinical remission with tight disease control as current treatment targets. The development and wider use of cross-sectional imaging techniques (intestinal ultrasound, MR enterography) has made the assessment of transmural and peri-intestinal disease activity possible. Recent data have shown a benefit of achieving transmural remission in long-term patient outcomes and have highlighted the transmural remission as a desirable treatment target.

Key words:
Crohn’s disease; intestinal ultrasound; MR enterography; transmural healing