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Transperineal ultrasound for assessment of fistulas and abscesses: a pictorial essay

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Abstract

Perianal fistulas and abscesses may be cryptogenetic or associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn’s disease. Proper identification and classification of these lesions are paramount for correct therapeutic management. Current diagnostic modalities include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), EUA (exam under anaesthesia) and recently, transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). The latter has been proposed as a noninvasive, easily available and cost-effective technique to diagnose, assess and follow up perianal disease particularly in IBD patients. This pictorial review focuses on the role of TPUS in clinical practice, highlighting the features of fistulas and abscesses.

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Acknowledgements

Authors thank Richa Chibbar from Department of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston MA, USA, for help in the editing and revision of the manuscript.

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This study was not funded.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, FBF-Sacco University Hospital, Via GB Grassi, 74, 20157, Milan, Italy

    Alessandra Lavazza & Giovanni Maconi

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  1. Alessandra Lavazza
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  2. Giovanni Maconi
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Correspondence to Giovanni Maconi.

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Lavazza, A., Maconi, G. Transperineal ultrasound for assessment of fistulas and abscesses: a pictorial essay. J Ultrasound 22, 241–249 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-019-00381-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-019-00381-6

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