Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

DWI MR-enterography Without or With Bowel Cleansing to Assess Intestinal Inflammatory Activity in the Follow-up of Crohn's Disease

Doctors are testing a new, faster MRI scan for people with Crohn's disease to check how active their bowel inflammation is. This special MRI, called DWI MR-enterography, is being compared to the usual MRI scan. A key part of the study is seeing if the new MRI can be done without the often unpleasant bowel cleansing preparation. They also want to see if it works well with newer, more powerful MRI machines. If successful, this could make follow-up scans much easier and more comfortable for patients by avoiding bowel prep and the need for a special dye injection, while still giving doctors the information they need.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

140

Start

26 Apr 2022

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Crohn Disease Bowel Cleansing Apparent Diffusion Coefficient

What is this study about?

Imagine you have Crohn's disease and need regular scans to see how things are going inside your bowel. Often, these scans, called MR-enterography, require a special liquid preparation to cleanse your bowel beforehand, which many patients find uncomfortable. This new study is exploring a way to make these scans much easier and more comfortable for you.

The researchers are looking at a newer, faster type of MRI called Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) MR-enterography. This method doesn't need a special dye injection and, importantly, they want to see if it can work well without the usual bowel cleansing. If this simpler approach is just as good at showing inflammation as the standard MRI, it could significantly improve the experience for people needing these regular checks.

They're also interested in seeing how well this new MRI works with the latest, more advanced MRI machines. The goal is to provide accurate information to your doctors while making the whole scanning process quicker and much more patient-friendly. Essentially, this study is about trying to find a better, simpler way to monitor Crohn's disease.

Key takeaways

Tests a new, simpler MRI for Crohn's disease.
Aims to avoid uncomfortable bowel cleansing.
Compares it to the usual MRI scan.
Could make future scans much easier for patients.
Focuses on improving patient comfort and scanning speed.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease affecting their bowel. You would be considered if your doctor has already decided you need an MRI scan as part of your regular check-ups for your Crohn's.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any metal implants or other health conditions that make having an MRI unsafe, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you have severe claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or if you are pregnant, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

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 bowel?
Has your doctor already recommended an MRI scan for your Crohn's?
Can you safely have an MRI (no incompatible metal in your body, for example)?
Are you not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would have two MRI scans on the same day. First, you'll have a simplified MRI scan that doesn't require any bowel cleansing or dye injection. Later that same day, you'll have the standard MRI scan that your doctor would normally order. This standard scan will involve the usual bowel cleansing drink beforehand. Experienced doctors will then carefully review and compare the results from both scans to see which method works best. The total duration of your involvement would be limited to this one day of scans.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer the benefit of helping to improve future MRI scans for people with Crohn's, potentially leading to more comfortable and quicker procedures. While MRI scans are generally safe, potential risks include feeling claustrophobic during the scan or having a reaction to the oral liquid used for bowel cleansing for the standard MRI. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France

Common questions

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in parts of the digestive system.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body without using X-rays.

Why do I need a bowel cleanse for some scans?

Bowel cleansing helps to empty your bowel, allowing doctors to get clearer pictures inside your digestive system during the scan.

Is the new MRI method less accurate?

The study aims to find out if the new, simpler method is just as accurate as the standard MRI for checking inflammation in Crohn's disease.

Will I get my scan results from this study?

Your doctors will use the results from the standard MRI for your care, while the study is focused on comparing the two methods for research purposes.