Capsule endoscopy in Crohn's disease: are we seeing any better?

World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Sep 28;20(36):13044-51. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.13044.

Abstract

Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex, immune-mediated disorder that often requires a multi-modality approach for optimal diagnosis and management. While traditional methods include ileocolonoscopy and radiologic modalities, increasingly, capsule endoscopy (CE) has been incorporated into the algorithm for both the diagnosis and monitoring of CD. Multiple studies have examined the utility of this emerging technology in the management of CD, and have compared it to other available modalities. CE offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate areas of the small bowel that are difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy. Furthermore, CE maybe favored in specific sub segments of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as those with IBD unclassified (IBD-U), pediatric patients and patients with CD who have previously undergone surgery.

Keywords: Capsule endoscopy; Crohn’s disease; Diagnosis; Disease monitoring; Inflammatory bowel disease; Prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Capsule Endoscopy*
  • Crohn Disease / pathology*
  • Crohn Disease / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / surgery
  • Intestines / pathology*
  • Intestines / surgery
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Recurrence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing