Christian Hohl, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Melanie Ahaus MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thorsten Schmidt MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tobias Wenzl MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rolf W. Günther, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gundula Staatz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Infliximab, as an Anti-TNF-α Antibody agent, is recently applied in children with severe Crohn`s disease. Because there is only little experience in treating children with Infliximab, short-term monitoring is essential. Purpose of our prospective study was to evaluate, if True-FISP MR-Imaging (MRI) is a suitable method for monitoring Infliximab-therapy.

5 children, aged 14-16 years, suffering from severe Crohn`s disease and not responding to corticoid therapy, were treated with Infliximab. Before and 1-2 weeks after Infliximab administration, all children underwent MRI of the small bowel in a 1.5 Tesla-MR-scanner. MRI was performed 1 hour after 1 liter of 2.5% Mannitol-solution was administered orally, with use of a 2D-balanced-FFE-sequence (True-FISP) pre and post i.v.-contrast material injection in coronal and axial planes. The activity of bowel inflammation was determined by the assessment of bowel-wall thickening and the evaluation of extraintestinal inflammatory changes. The image findings were additionally correlated with the clinical symptoms of each child.

The True-FISP-sequence enabled an excellent assessment of inflammatory activity in Crohn`s disease in our study. 4 of 5 children showed a good response to the Infliximab-therapy with marked improvement of the inflammatory changes of the bowel wall and regression of extraintestinal inflammatory signs. The image findings of the True-FISP sequence correlated well with the clinical findings and influenced the further therapeutic regime.

True-FISP MRI of the small-bowel enables a short-term and precise monitoring of Infliximab-therapy in children with Crohn`s disease.

Hohl, C, Ahaus, M, Schmidt, T, Wenzl, T, Günther, R, Staatz, G, Monitoring of Infliximab-Therapy in Children with Crohns Disease with Use of True-FISP MR-Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4414136.html