Oral nutritional supplementation is effective in the maintenance of remission in Crohn''s disease

Background. Enteral feeding with either elemental or polymeric diets is an established primary therapy for active Crohn's disease. However, the role of supplementing normal food with elemental diet in the long-term management of Crohn's disease has hitherto not been explored.

Patients and methods. A series of 39 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease in clinical remission were studied. Of these, 21 patients (Group 1) received oral nutritional supplementation, taken in addition to their normal diet. Their outcome (relapse rate, Crohn's disease activity index, inflammatory markers) was compared with that of 18 patients (Group 2), who were maintained on a normal unrestricted diet over an observation period of 12 months.

Results. A total of 17 patients (81%) tolerated the nutritional supplementation. On an intention-to-treat basis, 10 patients (48%) remained in remission for 12 months, compared to 4/18 (22%) patients in Group 2, p<0.0003. Their Crohn's disease activity index and CRP remained stable while their weight and body mass index improved during the period of nutrition therapy. Seven patients in Group 1 and 14 in Group 2 relapsed at a mean of 7.4±0.9 and 6.2±0.4 months, respectively. The response to nutrition supplement was independent of age, sex, disease duration or location. Four patients (1945) were intolerant to enteral feeding.

Conclusions. Nutritional supplementation is safe, well tolerated and effective in the long-term management of patients with quiescent Crohn's disease.     

Exclusive enteral feeding as primary therapy for Crohn's disease in Australian children and adolescents: a feasible and effective approach

BACKGROUND: Exclusive enteral feeding has been shown to be as efficacious as corticosteroids in inducing remission in children with Crohn's disease (CD), with additional nutritional benefits. The use of polymeric formulae provides superior palatability and acceptance over elemental feeds, but polymeric formulae have not been universally adopted. The present retrospective analysis of enteral feeding in children with Crohn's disease aims to demonstrate the short-term benefits of enteral feeding in children upon disease activity and nutrition parameters. METHODS: The case records of children with CD managed with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) by a multidisciplinary team over a 2-year period were reviewed. Data relating to therapy, background disease details, and outcome were collated. Primary outcome measures established were weight change and disease activity (Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index: PCDAI). RESULTS: Twenty-seven children received EEN with polymeric formulae. Fifteen children had newly diagnosed CD and 12 had known long-standing CD. Twenty-four children completed the prescribed period of EEN. Twelve of 15 (80%) newly diagnosed CD and seven of 12 (58%) with long-standing disease entered remission. Children with newly diagnosed CD responding to EEN took all feeds orally and gained an average of 4.7+/-3.5 kg with mean PCDAI decreasing from 37.1+/-10.8 to 6.7+/-5.1 after 8 weeks. In addition, four children continued supplementary polymeric formula (without other medical therapies) and all have maintained remission during an average follow-up period of 15.2 months. CONCLUSION: Exclusive enteral feeds induced remission in 80% of children with newly diagnosed CD (on intention-to-treat basis) when used as sole initial therapy while also improving nutritional status. All newly diagnosed children treated with EEN, who were able to establish feeds, achieved remission. In addition, remission may be prolonged with oral supplementary formula as sole ongoing treatment. Further study of the role(s) of enteral feeds and of longer-term benefits of enteral feeding in children with CD is now required.     

Enteral nutrition in Crohn's disease: fat in the formula

Enteral nutrition is effective in inducing remission in active Crohn's disease. Speculation on the underlying mechanism of action has moved away from the presentation of nitrogen and towards the fat content of the various enteral feeds. Evidence is accumulating that additional long-chain triglyceride in such feeds impairs the response rate in active Crohn's disease, whereas no deleterious effects of additional medium-chain triglyceride have been identified. It has been proposed that long-chain triglycerides composed from n-6 fatty acids may be the most harmful, since such fatty acids are substrates for inflammatory eicosanoid production. However, recent studies comparing different enteral feeds are not consistent in identifying which additional fatty acids impair response rates to the greatest extent. Despite meta-analyses concluding that polymeric diets (typically containing large amounts of fat) are as effective as elemental diets, it would seem sensible to use enteral feeds with minimal fat content when treating active Crohn's disease.     

Controlled trial comparing two types of enteral nutrition in treatment of active Crohn''s disease: elemental versus polymeric diet.

To determine whether an elemental diet or a polymeric defined formula diet would be more effective for treating active Crohn's disease, we conducted a prospective randomised clinical trial in 30 patients with active Crohn's disease unresponsive to steroids and/or complicated by malnutrition. They received a four to six week enteral nutrition course with either an elemental diet or a polymeric diet. Clinical remission occurred in 10 of the 15 patients on elemental diet compared with 11 of the 15 patients assigned to polymeric diet. Both groups showed similar improvements in nutritional status, biological inflammation, alpha 1 antitrypsin clearance, and colonoscopic lesions (diminished in 17 out of 24 patients). Most patients relapsed during the year after discharge. We conclude that enteral nutrition, whatever the diet, is an efficient primary therapy for active Crohn's disease but does not influence the long term outcome.     

Efficacy and tolerability of a low microparticle diet in a double blind, randomized, pilot study in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND: Ultrafine and fine particles are potent adjuvants in antigen-mediated immune responses, and cause inflammation in susceptible individuals. Following recent findings that microparticles accumulate in the phagocytes of intestinal lymphoid aggregates, this study is the first investigation of whether their reduction in the diet improves the symptoms of Crohn's disease. METHODS: In a double blind study, 20 patients with active corticosteroid-treated ileal or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease randomly received either a low microparticle diet (trial group; n = 10) or a control diet (n = 10) for 4 months. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and corticosteroid requirements were compared. RESULTS: One patient in each group was withdrawn. In the trial group there was a progressive decrease in CDAI from entry (392 +/- 25) to month 4 (145 +/- 47) (P = 0.002 vs control group) and seven patients were in remission (CDAI <150). In contrast, the control group had returned to baseline levels (302 +/- 28 on entry and 295 +/- 25 at month 4), with none in remission. Corticosteroid intake was reduced more in the trial group although this did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: A low microparticle diet may be effective in the management of ileal Crohn's disease and could explain the efficacy of elemental diets, which similarly are low in microparticles.     

Enteral Nutrition as a Primary Therapy for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: Value of Elemental Diet and Polymeric Diet Compared with Total Parenteral Nutrition

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare disease requiring oral fat restriction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of enteral nutrition compared to that of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). We retrospectively reviewed nine patients with IL presenting with protein-losing enteropathy. Of these, seven patients not responding to a low-fat diet were treated with elemental diet (ED), polymeric diet (PD) containing medium-chain triglycerides, or TPN. Improvement in serum total protein was observed in two of three on ED and in one of two on PD, compared with three of three on TPN. Enteric protein loss was improved in two of two on ED, one of two on PD, and two of two on TPN. Outpatients who continued to receive enteral nutrition maintained a total protein level. Enteral nutirition appears to be as effective as TPN for patients with IL, and it may provide a valid and safe alternative therapy.     

A controlled trial comparing ciprofloxacin with mesalazine for the treatment of active Crohn's disease. Groupe d'Etudes Thérapeutiques des Affections Inflammatoires Digestives (GETAID)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the efficacy of ciprofloxacin compared with mesalazine in treating active Crohn's disease. METHODS: Patients with a mild to moderate flare-up of Crohn's disease (mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI]; 217; range, 160-305) were randomized to receive ciprofloxacin 1 g/day or Pentasa 4 g/day for 6 wk. Complete remission was defined at wk 6 as a CDAI < or = 150 associated with a decrease (delta) in CDAI > 75. Partial remission was defined as a CDAI < or = 150 with 50 < delta CDAI < 75 or a CDAI > 150 with delta CDAI > 50 at wk 6. Group sequential procedure with triangular continuation regions was used to monitor the trial through the difference in complete remission rates, every 20 patients included. RESULTS: Inclusion of patients was stopped at the second step, i.e., after 40 inclusions, with the conclusion of no difference in complete remission rates between ciprofloxacin- and Pentasa-treated groups. Among the 18 patients taking ciprofloxacin, two decided to stop treatment during the trial and three were considered as treatment failures because of deterioration at wk 3. Among the 22 patients taking mesalazine, one patient was lost to follow-up and eight patients were considered as treatment failures. Complete remission was observed in 10 patients (56%) treated with ciprofloxacin and 12 patients (55%) treated with mesalazine and partial remission was observed in three and one patient, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ciprofloxacin 1 g/day is as effective as mesalazine 4 g/day in treating mild to moderate flare-up of Crohn's disease.     

Comparison of enteral nutrition and drug treatment in active Crohn's disease. Results of the European Cooperative Crohn's Disease Study. IV.

This study compared the effect of enteral nutrition as the sole therapy of active Crohn's disease with drug treatment. Patients with active Crohn's disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index greater than 200) were randomized to receive either enteral nutrition with a liquid oligopeptide diet (n = 55) or a combination of 6-methylprednisolone, 48 mg daily, subsequently tapered, and sulfasalazine, 3 g daily (n = 52). The two groups were not different with respect to age, sex, body weight, location of disease, or treatment before the study. The severity of disease was similar at the beginning of the study in both groups [Crohn's Disease Activity Index (mean +/- SEM), 323 +/- 12 vs. 316 +/- 11]. Remission was defined as a decrease of the initial Crohn's Disease Activity Index by 40% or at least 100 points. Twenty-nine patients in the diet group and 41 patients in the drug group reached remission within 6 weeks of therapy (chi 2 test, P less than 0.01). The median elapsed time to remission was 30.7 days in the diet group compared with 8.2 days in the drug group (Mantel Cox, P less than 0.01). To determine whether one of these treatments was more beneficial for a subgroup of patients, the effectiveness of both treatments was analyzed separately in patients with very severe disease (initial Crohn's Disease Activity Index greater than 300) and less severe disease (initial Crohn's Disease Activity Index less than 300), and in patients with different disease location. However, no influence of initial disease activity or disease location on the effect of either treatment could be shown. These data show that enteral nutrition is less effective than a combination of 6-methylprednisolone and sulfasalazine in treating active Crohn's disease.     

Does adjuvant nutritional support diminish steroid dependency in Crohn disease?

BACKGROUND: Nutritional therapy plays an important role in the management of Crohn disease, particularly during the acute phase. Nutritional supplementation may also prevent relapses during the quiescent phase of Crohn disease, though this aspect has not been widely explored. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with Crohn disease in remission were studied. All had steroid-dependent disease. Patients were randomized to receive either elemental diet (n = 19, EO28 Extra) or polymeric diet (Forticips, n = 14). The supplement was given orally in addition to normal food in an amount to provide 35%-50% of pre-trial total calorie intake. Prednisolone was withdrawn gradually. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Failure was defined as increase in CDAI by 100 points from baseline to >200, inability to withdraw chronic steroid therapy completely, need for surgery or steroid therapy. RESULTS: The nutritional supplement was successful in 14 (43%) patients who remained in remission for 12 months with complete withdrawal of steroids. The response to elemental diet (42%) was similar to that of polymeric diet (43%). Nutrition supplement failed in 13 (39%). Six (18%) patients were intolerant to enteral feeding because of smell and taste problems. Per-protocol analysis of data indicated that the success rate of nutrition supplement in steroid-dependent patients was 52% (14 out of 27 patients). No disease or patient-related factors helped predict the response to nutrition supplement. CONCLUSION: Nutritional supplementation with either an elemental or polymeric diet may provide a safe and effective alternative to chronic steroid therapy in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn disease.     

Role of diet in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

Many studies have looked at connections between diet,etiology,signs and symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Although these connections are apparent to clinicians,they are difficult to prove qualitatively or quantitatively.Enteral feeding and polymeric diets are equally effective at bringing about remission in Crohn‘s disease(CD).Parenteral feeding is also effective,although none of these methods is as effective as corticosteroid therapy.However,enteral feeding is preferred in the pediat...     

Remission in patients with Crohn's disease is associated with improvement in employment and quality of life and a decrease in hospitalizations and surgeries

OBJECTIVES: Hospitalization, surgery, work loss, and impaired quality of life contribute to the cost and burden of care for patients with Crohn's disease. We examined the impact of remission on patients' employment, quality of life, and hospitalization and surgery in a clinical trial to validate clinical remission, as defined by the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), as the key treatment goal in managing Crohn's disease. METHODS: ACCENT I evaluated the efficacy and safety of long-term dosing of infliximab compared to a single dose of infliximab in 573 patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease. At wk 54, employment status was compared between patients in CDAI remission and those not in CDAI remission, for those not employed at baseline. Physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the SF-36 questionnaire were also compared between these two groups. The numbers of Crohn's-related hospitalizations and surgeries were compared among four groups of patients who spent 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100% of time, respectively, in CDAI remission during the study. RESULTS: At baseline, patients had a severely impaired quality of life and a high unemployment rate (38.4%). Among the group of patients who were unemployed at baseline, 31% of those patients who achieved CDAI remission (CDAI < 150) at wk 54 were employed, compared to 16% who were not in CDAI remission at wk 54 (p < 0.05). PCS and MCS scores of patients in CDAI remission at wk 54 were significantly higher (p < 0.0001), indicating better mental and physical functioning, than those of patients not in CDAI remission at wk 54, and were similar to those of the general U.S. population. Hospitalization and surgery rates decreased as the percentage of time patients were in CDAI remission increased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CDAI remission is associated with reduced hospitalizations and surgeries, increased employment, and normalized quality of life. Sustained CDAI remission should be the key therapeutic goal in managing Crohn's disease.     

Long-Term Management of Crohn's Disease with Mesalamine Capsules (PentasaR)

Current long-term treatment of Crohn's disease is unsatisfactory. Based on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), this multicenter trial enrolled patients with either active Crohn's disease (CDAI ≥ 150) or disease in remission (CDAI < 150). The primary measure of therapeutic response was mean change in CDAI from baseline to final visit. All patients began treatment with a dosage of ≤ 4 g/day of mesalamine that ranged from 3.7 g at baseline to 3.4 g at final visit. Overall, 467 patients were enrolled: 333 (active disease) and 134 (remission). The median study participation time was 14 months. For patients entering with active disease, the mean reduction in CDAI was 77 points, with 42% (122/289) achieving remission by their final visit. For patients entering in remission, there was an increase in mean CDAI from 90 at baseline to 96 at final visit, with 79% (95/120) of patients in remission at final visit and 72% (31/43) in remission continuously after 12 months of therapy. From baseline to final visit, the mean prednisone dose decreased 5 mg/day in patients with active disease and 11 mg/day in patients in remission. Mesalamine was well tolerated and no adverse laboratory trends were observed. These results suggest that controlled-release mesalamine shows promise as a steroid-sparing agent and as a safe and effective long-term therapy for the induction of and maintenance of remission of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease.     

英夫利昔在克罗恩病诱导缓解中的作用及随访研究

目的 探讨英夫利昔(IFX)在克罗恩病诱导缓解中的作用并随访其诱导缓解的效果.方法 10例克罗恩病患者接受IFX(5 mg/kg)、5-氨基水杨酸(5-ASA)、硫唑嘌呤(AZA)诱导缓解和维持缓解治疗.在0、10、22和50周时进行克罗恩病活动指数(CDAI)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBil)、结合胆红素(CB)、肌酐(Scr)检测.在0、10和50周时进行克罗恩病简化内镜评分(SES-CD).记录不良反应.结果 10周时所有患者均获缓解,CDAI、CRP、ESR和SES-CD均较0周时显著降低(P值均＜0.01).1例患者在30周时因复发终止随访.50周时,有6例患者CDAI、CRP、ESR、SES-CD与10周时比较略增高,但差异无统计学意义(P值分别=0.2001、0.0600、0.1328、0.4230),与0周时比较则均显著降低(P值分别=0.0005、0.0087、0.0054、0.0163).所有患者均未出现严重不良反应.结论 IFX诱导CD缓解效果确切,部分CD患者在IFX诱导缓解后使用5-ASA和AZA维持缓解有效.     

A randomised controlled trial of high versus low long chain triglyceride whole protein feed in active Crohn''s disease

BACKGROUND: Polymeric feeds have shown variable efficacy in active Crohn's disease (CD) with remission rates from 36% to 82%. Meta-analyses of elemental, peptide, and whole protein feeds have shown a strong negative correlation between remission rate in CD and the long chain triglyceride (LCT) content of the feed. We performed a randomised controlled double blind trial in patients with active CD comparing two single whole protein feeds with LCT supplying 5% or 30% of the total energy. METHODS: Fifty four patients with active CD (Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) >200, serum C reactive protein (CRP) 10 mg/l) were randomised to a high or low LCT feed for three weeks. The total amount of energy supplied by fat was identical in the two feeds. Remission was defined as a CDAI < or =150 and response as a fall in CDAI of > or =70 or a CRP <10 mg/l. RESULTS: Overall remission rate by intention to treat was 26% for the low LCT feed and 33% for the high LCT feed (p=0.38). Response was achieved in 33% with the low LCT and in 52% with the high LCT feed (p=0.27). CRP <10 mg/l was achieved in 30% in the low LCT and 33% in the high LCT group (p=0.99). Thirty nine per cent (21/54) of patients withdrew before three weeks because of inability to tolerate the diet. Excluding patients unable to tolerate the diet, remission rates were 46% for low LCT and 45% for high LCT (p=0.99). DISCUSSION: This trial has shown no difference in the effect of low and high LCT whole protein feeds in active CD. The previously reported correlation between LCT content of diet and response in active CD is unlikely to be due to LCT itself and may be due to some other component of high LCT feeds.     

Nutritional therapy for active Crohn’s disease

Nutritional therapy for active Crohn’s disease （CD） is an underutilised form of treatment in adult patients, though its use is common in the paediatric population. There is evidence that nutritional therapy can effectively induce remission of CD in adult patients. Enteral nutrition therapy is safe and generally well tolerated. Meta-analysis data suggest that corticosteroids are superior to nutritional treatment for induction of remission in active CD. However, the potential side effects of such pharmacotherapy must be taken into consideration. This review examines the evidence for the efficacy of elemental and polymeric diets, and the use of total parenteral nutrition in active CD.     

Intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease and effects of elemental dietary therapy]

Enteral intake of non-metabolic monosacharide and disaccharide, followed by measurement of the urinary excretion ratio of the two, is a method used to investigate intestinal permeability. L/R ratio (lactulose/1-rhamnose urinary excretion ratio) is considered an indicator of permeability of the small intestine. An increased L/R ratio is caused by mucosal disorders of the small intestine. The L/R ratio in all patients (n = 92) with Crohn's disease was 0.079 +/- 0.081 (mean +/- S.D.), which was significantly higher than the value in normal controls (0.027 +/- 0.009, n = 20, p < 0.05). In 39 patients with Crohn's disease, we assessed intestinal permeability before after treatment with an elemental diet, and during remission. The L/R ratio was 0.120 +/- 0.092, before treatment and 0.065 +/- 0.097 after treatment (p < 0.05), showing increased intestinal permeability before elemental dietary treatment. During remission, the L/R ratio was 0.035 +/- 0.028; this did not differ significantly from the value obtained after treatment. We conclude that intestinal permeability is useful for investigating disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease.     

Enteral nutrition for Crohn's disease in Japan

Indication for and an evaluation of enteral nutrition in Crohn's disease differ between Japan and western countries. PURPOSE: Japanese results are reported and differences are discussed. RESULTS: Enteral nutrition with an elemental diet is first-line therapy for active Crohn's disease in Japan. The remission induction rate of elemental diet therapy is approximately 80 percent, which is superior to steroids. Furthermore, elemental diet therapy induces radiographic and endoscopic remission. On the other hand, meta-analysis from randomized, controlled trials showed steroids to be more effective than enteral nutrition in western countries. The differences are considered to be the result of such differences as therapeutic duration of enteral nutrition, the composition of enteral diets used, criteria for remission, the quality of life score of a long-term fast with a nasogastric tube, medical care, and health insurance system. The main mechanism of the therapeutic effect of elemental diet is speculated to be attributable to removal of food antigens and decreases of secretion and motility (bowel rest) by very low fat. To prevent relapse and rehospitalization, home enteral nutrition is now used widely in Japan. The therapeutic effect is observed in patients with ileal involvement, and more than 1,200 kcal/day is more effective than a lower amount. CONCLUSION: Most Japanese studies were open-labeled, uncontrolled trials. We should conduct randomized, controlled trials comparing enteral nutrition with steroids during the active stage of Crohn's disease and home enteral nutrition with drugs in maintaining remission and investigate the therapeutic effect, quality of life, and costs.     

Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES: Endogenous opioids and opioid antagonists have been shown to play a role in healing and repair of tissues. In an open-labeled pilot prospective trial, the safety and efficacy of low-dose naltrexone (LDN), an opioid antagonist, were tested in patients with active Crohn's disease. METHODS: Eligible subjects with histologically and endoscopically confirmed active Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score of 220-450 were enrolled in a study using 4.5 mg naltrexone/day. Infliximab was not allowed for a minimum of 8 wk prior to study initiation. Other therapy for Crohn's disease that was at a stable dose for 4 wk prior to enrollment was continued at the same doses. Patients completed the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) and the short-form (SF-36) quality of life surveys and CDAI scores were assessed pretreatment, every 4 wk on therapy and 4 wk after completion of the study drug. Drug was administered by mouth each evening for a 12-wk period. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with a mean CDAI score of 356 +/- 27 were enrolled. CDAI scores decreased significantly (P= 0.01) with LDN, and remained lower than baseline 4 wk after completing therapy. Eighty-nine percent of patients exhibited a response to therapy and 67% achieved a remission (P < 0.001). Improvement was recorded in both quality of life surveys with LDN compared with baseline. No laboratory abnormalities were noted. The most common side effect was sleep disturbances, occurring in seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: LDN therapy appears effective and safe in subjects with active Crohn's disease. Further studies are needed to explore the use of this compound.     

Concentration of Amylase in Serum after Pancreatic Stimulation with a Test Meal

Background: Nutritional therapy plays an important role in the management of Crohn disease, particularly during the acute phase. Nutritional supplementation may also prevent relapses during the quiescent phase of Crohn disease, though this aspect has not been widely explored. Methods: Thirty-three patients with Crohn disease in remission were studied. All had steroid-dependent disease. Patients were randomized to receive either elemental diet (n = 19, EO28 Extra) or polymeric diet (Forticips, n = 14). The supplement was given orally in addition to normal food in an amount to provide 35%-50% of pre-trial total calorie intake. Prednisolone was withdrawn gradually. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Failure was defined as increase in CDAI by 100 points from baseline to &gt;200, inability to withdraw chronic steroid therapy completely, need for surgery or steroid therapy. Results: The nutritional supplement was successful in 14 (43%) patients who remained in remission for 12 months with complete withdrawal of steroids. The response to elemental diet (42%) was similar to that of polymeric diet (43%). Nutrition supplement failed in 13 (39%). Six (18%) patients were intolerant to enteral feeding because of smell and taste problems. Per-protocol analysis of data indicated that the success rate of nutrition supplement in steroid-dependent patients was 52% (14 out of 27 patients). No disease or patient-related factors helped predict the response to nutrition supplement. Conclusion: Nutritional supplementation with either an elemental or polymeric diet may provide a safe and effective alternative to chronic steroid therapy in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn disease.     

The usefulness of MDCT in Crohn's disease]

The usefulness of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) was investigated in 27 patients with Crohn's disease. MDCT depicted characteristic lesions associated with Crohn's disease, including bowel wall thickening, strictures, bowel wall enhancement with contrast, opacity of fatty tissue and mesenteric lymph node enlargement. With respect to delineation of lesion sites, a 76% or higher correlation rate was observed between MDCT and other conventional diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy, barium enema, small bowel examination, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patient were classified as either with active disease or in remission based on the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). We then compared MDCT findings in patients with active disease and in remission. A positive correlation (r = 0.70) between CDAI and bowel wall thickening was observed. A comparison of 13 patients with active disease versus 14 patients in remission revealed significant bowel wall thickening, mesenteric lymph node enlargement, and opacity of fatty tissue. MDCT accurately depicted lesions consistent with active Crohn's disease. MDCT is a minimally invasive procedure that is useful in the evaluation of acute active Crohn's disease.