Classification of small bowel Crohn's subtypes based on multimodality imaging.

This article has reviewed the imaging features that correspond to and support the classification of patients into clinical subtypes of Crohn's disease. One study showed that radiologic features on barium studies closely correlated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, and another study indicated that CT findings changed patient management in up to 29% of cases. Knowledge of the location, severity, and presence of complications assist in providing patients with appropriate treatment options. Reports of radiologic studies in Crohn's disease should include the presence or absence of imaging features that support these different subtypes. An additional advantage of the use of a reproducible imaging classification that emphasizes morphologic features would be improved comparison of the results of different investigators and treatment protocols. Whatever method of radiologic investigation is employed, it should be targeted to answer questions relevant to patient management. The imaging modalities used should be able to classify the small bowel Crohn's subtypes and should be reflected in the radiologists' reports.