Using Shear-Wave Elastography to Evaluate Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease

Prospective Study to Evaluate the Role of Shear-Wave Elastography in Predicting the Degree of Intestinal Fibrosis in Patients With Crohn's Disease Who Are Candidates for Surgery - ElChir Study

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06056986

This study is testing a new imaging technique to see if it can help doctors better understand and measure intestinal scarring in people with Crohn's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT06056986 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of shear-wave elastography, a non-invasive imaging technique, in evaluating the degree of intestinal fibrosis in patients with Crohn's disease. By comparing elastographic parameters with histological findings from surgical specimens, the study seeks to improve the timing of surgical interventions for patients with fibrotic intestinal loops. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between clinical disease activity and elastographic measurements, as well as the concordance between different elastography methods and MRI parameters. The ultimate goal is to identify reliable elastographic cut-offs for predicting fibrosis severity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with ileal or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease who are scheduled for elective intestinal resection within 30 days.

Not a fit: Patients with Crohn's disease without ileal involvement or those with other forms of inflammatory bowel disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy for determining the need for surgery in Crohn's disease patients, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for shear-wave elastography in assessing intestinal fibrosis, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of ileal or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease
* patients scheduled for elective intestinal resection for Crohn's disease within 30 days from enrollment
* affected intestinal segment detectable in B-mode ultrasound

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of IBD other than Crohn's disease
* Crohn's disease without ileal involment
* lack of visualization of affected intestinal tract (eg. obesity)
* hearth failure
* known allergy to ultrasound contrast agents
* pregnancy
* lactation

Where this trial is running

Roma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Crohn Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.