Experiences by anorectal ultrasound (EUS) in Crohn's disease

Introduction: Crohn-s disease, involving the anorectal region, causes many complaints to the patient. Development of perirectal abscesses, laesion of the sphincter, pain and incontinence impair their quality of life.

Material and method: In the last year 12 patients with anorectal Crohn's disease was examined by EUS. EUS examinations were made by B-K Medial Hawk 2102 EXL equipment using 6–10MHz multifrequency anorectal probe.

Results: EUS was made for searching of activity signs in our patients. Our findings were: isolated periproctal fistula in 1, fistula with abscesses in 3, periproctal abscesses in 2 cases. EUS was highly reliable in the detection of traumatic sphincter lesion in patients with incontinence. In cases of periproctal fistulas and abscesses, EUS findings influenced decisively the final therapy. Signs of inflammation could also be detected by EUS reliably, however the function of the sphincter even with existing pathological morphology could not be judged.

Conclusion: Anorectal EUS is a reliable method for examining lesions of anorectal Crohn's disease. It is well tolerated by the patient and it is possible to repeat without any harmful effects. It is suggested to involve this method into the diagnostic strategy of this disease.