Inflammatory bowel disease

Diagnostic Evaluation

Inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of intestinal layers,leading to malabsorption and GI symptoms. Imaging supports diagnosis by identifying bowel wall thickening, altered layering, and lymph node enlargement. Ultrasound is commonly first because it can characterize layer changes and detect effusion. Radiographs are less specific but can show gas/effusion patterns. CT adds staging and helps differentiate neoplasia versus inflammation. MRI is rarely used.Nuclear imaging is not primary for diagnosis.