[Ultrasound in the diagnosis of ileitis terminalis Crohn (author's transl)].

In order to check the value of sonography in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, 81 patients who suffered from Crohn's disease were examined by means of real-time B-mode ultrasound. Bowel wall infiltration along the terminal ileum that could be shown to involve the coecum as well, appeared to be a reliable parameter in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. This finding was most pronounced in acute disease whereas in chronic or mild disease, characteristic signs of Crohn's disease were absent. Among the complications of Crohn's disease formation of intraabdominal abscesses can be demonstrated by sonography. From our results we propose to employ diagnostic ultrasound in the acute stage of disease. After remission the diagnosis should be confirmed by endoscopy and X-ray examinations.