The University of North Carolina (UNC) is on track to become one of the few US sites to integrate intestinal ultrasound (IUS) as an imaging technique for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Traditionally, gastroenterologists have relied on MRI tests or endoscopy procedures, requiring multiple patient visits. However, advancements in technology and streamlined training are now enabling gastroenterologists to use IUS for real-time assessment of treatment efficacy and disease progression during routine appointments. IUS allows for the measurement of bowel thickness and inflammation, detection of abscesses, and visualization of blood flow, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
This innovative technique, which has been successfully used in Europe for a decade, provides patients with a better understanding of their disease and aids in making informed treatment decisions. The UNC IBD center, one of the largest in the country, anticipates that incorporating IUS will streamline patient care and reduce the frequency of required visits, potentially transforming the management of IBD treatment.
Reference: Revolutionizing IBD Care: The Power of Intestinal Ultrasound. UNC School of Medicine. Published January 29, 2024. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/news/revolutionizing-ibd-care-the-power-of-intestinal-ultrasound/
Link: https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/news/revolutionizing-ibd-care-the-power-of-intestinal-ultrasound/
