Role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease in children: a report of three cases

Abstract

Very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is defined as IBD onset before 6 years of age and some cases are caused by unique monogenic disorders that require specific treatments such as stem cell transplantation. We identified three children with VEO-IBD of whom two had monogenic disorders. In cases 1 and 2, ultrasound revealed isolated colonic distribution and the loss of wall stratification. In case 3, mesentery inflammation was evident. Bowel ultrasound showed variable findings due to differences in the inflammation distribution within the bowel. In order to diagnose VEO-IBD, sonographersshould carefully evaluate the intestinal wall thickness and stratification and the distribution of inflammation in the intestine and mesentery. These findings may aid the diagnosis of VEO-IBD.