Computed tomography evaluation of the sacroiliac joints in Crohn disease. Radiologic/clinical correlation.

Computed tomography (CT) was used in a prospective study of the sacroiliac joints in 86 patients with Crohn disease to determine the type and frequency of sacroiliac joint abnormalities present in this population. The CT findings were correlated with review of the clinical history in 64 patients. Computed tomography demonstrated changes of sacroiliitis in 29% of the study group. This high prevalence of sacroiliac joint abnormality was found even in those under 30 years of age. It exceeds the 11-19% previously reported from plain film examination, reflecting the greater sensitivity of CT. In the subgroup of 64 patients studied clinically, 19 (30%) had abnormal sacroiliac joints on CT, but only 2 (3%) reported symptoms related to the sacroiliac joints.