The Frequency of Asymptomatic Sacroiliitis in Jordanian Patients with Crohn’s Disease. Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Enterography

Abstract

Background: our aim was to assess frequency of asymptomatic sacroiliitis (SI) in patients with Crohns disease referred for magnetic resonant enterography (MRE) as a part of small bowel evaluation.

Methods: this was a retrospective study of all patients with Crohns disease who were referred for MRE between January of 2016 to October of 2017 to Jordan University Hospital. All MRE were reviewed by an experienced radiologist and SI was diagnosed and graded based on predefined MRI criteria. All patients were contacted and assessed for symptomatic SI based on Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria of 2009 for axial spondyloarthropathy. All patients were included in the final analysis.

Results: a total of 60 patients were included, overall 18 (30%) showed evidence of SI, two patients were symptomatic and another two were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis as assessed by ASAS criteria. Those were excluded. Fourteen (23%) patients were included in the final analysis, with an average age of 36.7 years, 71% males. The average disease duration was 7.25 years. The percentage of ASA used by patients was 50%, Azathioprine 71%, Biologic agents in 36% in combination and single drug was used in 36% of patients.

Conclusion: The prevalence of asymptomatic SI based on predefined MRI criteria was 23%, the importance of this finding and future course progression needs further studies.