Purpose: The main objective of this study is to determine endomicroscopic features of Crohn´s disease. Background: Crohn´s disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from anus to mouth, causing a wide variety of symptoms. Diagnosis is based on several histologic features including transmural pattern of inflammation, crypt abscesses and granulomas. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is rapidly emerging as a valuable tool for gastrointestinal endoscopic imaging, enabling the endoscopist to obtain an "optical biopsy" of the gastrointestinal mucosa during the endoscopic procedure. Scope: In patients with Crohn´s disease.
Methods: Patients underwent colonoscopy for the evaluation of Crohn´s disease. During the endoscopic procedure CLE will be performed. Procedure: The patient underwent colonoscopy. During the procedure the patient will receive intravenous fluorescein or topical mucosal staining with acriflavin or cresyl violet, followed by in-vivo CLE of the tissue. Confocal images are digitally saved and analyzed afterwards.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Department of Medicine I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Erlangen, Germany
To determine endomicroscopic features of Crohn´s disease.
Time frame: October 2009 until May 2010
Comparison of CLE findings with conventional histology.
Time frame: October 2009 until May 2010
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.