Layered enhancement at magnetic resonance enterography in inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Documentation of disease activity in patients affected by Crohn's disease (CD) is mandatory in order to manage patients properly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the reference cross-sectional technique for the assessment of CD activity. Among MRI findings, layered pattern (LP) of contrast enhancement seems to be one of the most significant signs of severe disease activity; however, it has also been associated with chronic disease and mural fibrosis. AIM: To systematically evaluate the accuracy of LP of contrast enhancement in the diagnosis of active inflammation in patients with CD. METHODS: statistic. Our meta-analysis received no funding, and the review protocol was not published or registered in advance. RESULTS: : 27.1%). The summary ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 (SE 0.06; Q* 0.76). High risk of bias and applicability concerns were observed in the domains of patient selection for one included study. CONCLUSION: LP on contrast-enhanced MRI is a specific finding to rule out active inflammation in patients with CD. Further studies using a prespecified definition of LP on contrast-enhanced MRI are needed to support our findings.