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Can ultrasound detect UC?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/7/2020 9:14 AM (GMT -5)
Hey guys , I am in remission for the past few months , but I am getting a few symptoms for the past 2 weeks , so can you you tell me that can whole abdomen ultrasound detect ulcers in the end part of the large intestine or not?
I dont want to get a colonoscopy , if I get some results in the ultrasound , after that I may also go for a colonoscopy !
Posted 4/7/2020 11:49 AM (GMT -5)
I'd get a Calprotectin stool test or a C-Reactive Protein blood test to check for inflammation. If you're flaring then you have Inflammation.

Ultrasound, never heard of that before for UC. Don't think it's used for it.
Posted 4/7/2020 5:32 PM (GMT -5)
They can't detect ulcers but a skilled operator van visualize bowel wall thickening. Typically you need a baseline measurement, and then a follow up to see if there has been any changes.

There are some places now using intestinal ultrasound to monitor patients. No one wants a colonoscopy!

Good luck
Posted 4/14/2020 5:38 AM (GMT -5)
I saw a piece a few years ago about a special ultrasound in Canada that can detect (but not biopsy) but in most places, not it can't. Agree that calprotectin screening important to monitor inflammation.
Posted 4/14/2020 9:44 AM (GMT -5)
No, ultasound cannot detect ulcers. It could theoretically detect bowel wall thickening but is very limited in that ultrasound can only see some loops of bowel, not the whole thing. I've had an abdominal ultrasound with severe UC and it showed nothing. I'd get a fecal calprotectin test.
Posted 4/15/2020 10:31 AM (GMT -5)
I would get a calprotectin, or a flex sig (which is like a mini colonoscopy that's much faster and often doesn't require sedation - though it's easier if you are sedated). I did an MRE once and that was helpful, but the results were like ambling describes...

Honestly, you're going to have to do whatever the doctor suggests. It's not like insurance is going to approve an ultrasound simply because you don't want to do a scope. If you haven't been scoped in a few years, it's a good idea to do so for monitoring.
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