Study of Concordance Between Inflammatory Activity Assessed by Enteric MRI With and Without Intestinal Distension Product in Patients With Ileal Crohn's Disease.
Crohn's disease can cause lasting damage to the gut. Doctors aim to control this by ensuring patients have no symptoms and no gut damage. MRI scans help doctors check for inflammation, but current methods often involve drinking a liquid that can cause sickness or diarrhoea. This study wants to see if we can get reliable information from MRI scans without this special drink. Researchers believe that even without the drink, the scans might still accurately show inflammation, which would make the MRI process much more comfortable for patients. If successful, this could mean better and easier monitoring for people with Crohn's disease.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation in your digestive system. Over time, this inflammation can lead to damage in the gut, sometimes requiring surgery. To prevent this, doctors try to keep the inflammation under control, aiming for no symptoms and no signs of gut damage, which they call 'healing'.
One way doctors check for inflammation and healing is using a special MRI scan of the gut. While these scans are really helpful, they currently involve drinking a liquid beforehand to help 'stretch out' the bowel. Unfortunately, many patients find this drink unpleasant, often causing stomach upset, sickness, or diarrhoea. Because of these side effects, some patients are hesitant to have repeat MRI scans, even though they are important for monitoring their condition.
This study wants to find out if it's possible to get useful information about Crohn's-related inflammation from an MRI scan without patients needing to drink this special liquid. Researchers will compare standard MRI scans (with the drink) to new scans (without the drink) to see if they give similar results. If they do, it would mean patients can still get the important monitoring they need, but with a much more comfortable experience, making it easier to manage their Crohn's disease.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a more comfortable MRI experience for Crohn's patients.
- It compares standard MRI scans with new ones that don't require an unpleasant drink.
- The goal is to provide accurate inflammation detection with fewer side effects.
- If successful, it could improve how Crohn's disease is monitored.
- Participation involves two MRI scans within the same week.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to join this study if you are an adult (18 years or older) with Crohn's disease that affects your small bowel, your large bowel, or both. Your doctor must also think you need an MRI scan to check how active your Crohn's disease is right now.
It's important that you are able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. You must also be signed up to a social security scheme, which is standard for healthcare in the UK.
However, you won't be able to join if you only have Crohn's disease in your large bowel (colon) and not your small bowel, or if you've had a lot of your small bowel removed. Other reasons you might not be able to take part include having severe gut blockage symptoms, an untreated infection inside your tummy, or if you have a stoma. You also can't join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any medical reason why you can't have an MRI scan.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have Crohn's disease affecting your small bowel (ileum) or both small and large bowel?
- Does your doctor think you need an MRI to check your Crohn's activity?
- Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants if not MRI-safe, no severe claustrophobia)?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you able to attend two MRI appointments in the same week?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have two MRI scans of your gut within the same week. For the first scan, you won't need to drink the special liquid that normally helps to 'stretch out' your bowel. For the second scan, you will have the special liquid, just like a standard MRI. Both scans will also involve an injection of a special dye called gadolinium to help improve the images. The scans will use the exact same methods and equipment. Afterwards, specialist doctors will look at and compare the images from both scans to see if they show similar levels of inflammation. The total time you would be involved in the study would be about one week, covering the two scans.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU de Clermont-FerrandVerified postcodeClermont-Ferrand, France
Common questions
What is an MRI scan for Crohn's disease?
It's a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your gut, helping doctors see inflammation and damage from Crohn's disease.
Why do I usually have to drink something before an MRI?
That liquid helps to 'stretch out' your bowel so doctors can get clearer pictures of the inside of your gut during the scan.
What is the main goal of this study?
The study wants to see if MRI scans can still accurately check inflammation in Crohn's disease without patients having to drink the uncomfortable special liquid beforehand.
Will I get any treatment as part of this study?
No, this study is only about comparing two types of MRI scans. It doesn't involve any new treatments or changes to your current medication.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You will be involved for about one week, during which you will have two MRI scans.
How to find out more
Lise Laclautre
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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