US Gastroenterology & Hepatology Review, 2005:20-22
Longer version of article from Reference Section:
Abstract
Crohn's disease is a chronic immune-mediated disease that affects any or all segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but is mainly found in the small intestines or colon. Patients in the early stages of Crohnýs disease present with symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, which may mimic other conditions causing a delay in diagnosis. Many patients experience emotional difficulties related to this debilitating disease.
Current procedures used to visualize the small bowel for diagnosis of Crohn's disease include small-bowel follow-through, enteroclysis, and computerized tomography (CT), but do not provide definition of the mucosal surface.Clinical research shows us the diagnostic yield of these tests are not as high as once thought.
This article describes a new diagnostic tool, the M2™ Video Capsule, which can be used to directly visualize the small bowel mucosa.With the detailed photo images provided by the capsule,the physician now has the ability to detect subtle changes in the mucosal lining consistent with early Crohn's disease that were previously not available or identifiable. Earlier disease treatment and management may decrease the inflammatory changes that lead to bowel thickening and stricturing, and have a positive impact on the patient's total quality of life.
Video Wireless Capsule Endoscopy - A Diagnostic Tool for Early Crohn's Disease
Anxiety, depression, and psychosexual difficulties are just some of the emotions that Crohn's patients face throughout their life. Many Crohn's patients have a reduced life expectancy with about 6% dying from their disease. The disease is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that affects the GI tract. It may involve any or all segments of the GI tract, but is mainly found in the small intestine or the colon.1 The small bowel is affected in 30% to 40% of cases.The incidence of Crohn's disease is about one to six per 100,000 people. Published literature reports a rise in the incidence of Crohn's disease with a peak age between 15 and 25 years of age and an additional peak between 55 and 65 years.1
Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease
The predominant reported symptoms of Crohn's disease include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss.1 Other symptoms include rectal bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Complications from Crohn's disease include ulcers, abscesses, fistulas, and intestinal obstruction. It can also affect other areas of the body including the joints, eyes, skin, and liver. A significant number of Crohnýs patients undergo one or more surgical resections of the GI tract,1 causing disabilities and changes in lifestyle.
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