Intestinal fibrogenesis in inflammatory intestinal disorders

Abstract

The article deals with chronic inflammatory processes of the intestines and their complications that contribute to the gradual accumulation of deep transmural lesions of the intestinal wall, including narrowings, development of obstruction, abscesses, and fistulas. Both inflammatory bowel diseases and their chronic complications lead to the onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia caused by intestinal pathology. Detecting the disease activity and complications severity is of crucial importance in the treatment intensity at early and later stages of the illness and when monitoring treatment measures effectiveness. The main molecular mediators of fibrogenesis are studied in the article, the results of development of intestinal fibrosis visualization technologies are summarized, possibilities for expanding the quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound and encouraging potential of non-invasive elastography methods are discussed.