Transperineal ultrasound in the detection of perianal and rectovaginal fistulae in Crohn's disease.

Abstract

Perianal and rectovaginal fistulae are common complications in Crohn's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoanal ultrasound are used for imaging perianal fistulae and abscesses, but both methods require expensive equipment and experienced investigators. Transperineal ultrasound may represent another method of detecting perianal complications in Crohn's disease. We investigated Crohn's disease perianal and rectovaginal fistulae using transperineal ultrasound and compared the findings with results of endoanal ultrasound as reference standard.