MR Elastography of the affected mesenteric fat in active Crohn’s Disease: a feasibility study

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Mesentery of afflicted bowel loops often is involved. MR-Elastography allows assessment of its underlying mechanical properties and gives more insight in the role of the mesentery. Feasibility was first shown in 15 healthy volunteers. Seven patients with active CD (aCD) scheduled for surgical intervention underwent pre-operative MR-Elastography acquisition and histopathological analysis. Seven age- and sex matched volunteers were also scanned. Significantly higher shear wave speed, shear stiffness and phase angle were found in aCD patients, possibly related to increased fibrotic tissue in or inflammation of the mesentery.