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Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score (MEGS) with indices of Crohn’s disease activity in South Asian population

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Abstract

Purpose

Assessment of disease activity in Crohn’s helps predict important clinical outcomes. Among the various modalities available to assess disease activity, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is considered a safe and reliable imaging option. Various MRE-based scoring systems have been developed to measure disease activity, one of which being the MRE global score (MEGS). We aimed to correlate MEGS with some of the important indices of Crohn’s disease activity.

Methodology

Crohn’s disease patients referred for MRE were included in the study. Along with demographic profile and relevant investigations, MRE parameters related to MEGS were also assessed.

Result

A total of 47 patients were recruited for the study. Their median age was 34 years (range 18–68 years), and male:female ratio was 16:31. There was modest positive correlation between MEGS and faecal calprotectin (r = 0.3, p = 0.04), CRP level (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and Harvey Bradshaw index (r = 0.3, p = 0.043), respectively. However, there was strong correlation between segmental MEGS and Simple Endoscopic Score in those with terminal ileal disease (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Mural thickness was the only MRE parameter that correlated with active disease (OR − 1.35, 95% CI 1.01, 1.81, p = 0.041) on multivariate analysis. There was moderate inter-observer agreement (Lin’s r = 0.78, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MEGS showed modest correlation with indices of Crohn’s disease activity which corroborates the complementary role of MRE in management of such patients.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Mahasampath Gowri, from the Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India for her help with statistical analysis.

Funding

Institutional fluid research grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India

    Susanna K. Jose, Betty Simon, Anu Eapen, Reetu A. John & Tharani Putta

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

    Ebby George Simon & Amit Kumar Dutta

  3. Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

    Anna B. Pulimood

Authors
  1. Susanna K. Jose
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  2. Betty Simon
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  3. Ebby George Simon
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  6. Tharani Putta
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  7. Amit Kumar Dutta
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  8. Anna B. Pulimood
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Contributions

This work was done as part of Dr. Susanna K Jose’s thesis requirement for MD Radiodiagnosis Degree Examination of the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai (May 2020).

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Betty Simon.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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The study was approved by the institutional review board and Ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

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Jose, S.K., Simon, B., Simon, E.G. et al. Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score (MEGS) with indices of Crohn’s disease activity in South Asian population. Abdom Radiol 47, 547–553 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03381-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03381-5

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