Using ultrasound to monitor treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases

Prospective Study to Evaluate the Role of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and Elastography in Predicting Clinical and Endoscopic Remission (Deep Remission) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

NA · Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT05987501

This study tests whether using special ultrasound techniques can help doctors see if treatment is working for people with inflammatory bowel diseases after a year.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (other)
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT05987501 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (D-CEUS) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in predicting deep remission in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) after 12 months of treatment. The research focuses on the non-invasive and cost-effective nature of intestinal ultrasound, aiming to improve treatment monitoring and outcomes. By assessing various parameters, including bowel microvascularization and tissue stiffness, the study seeks to establish a correlation between ultrasound findings and clinical, endoscopic, and inflammatory indices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis who are starting biologic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with undetermined colitis, obesity preventing visualization, or those with contraindications to ultrasound contrast agents.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and management of inflammatory bowel diseases, enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ultrasound for monitoring IBD, but the specific combination of D-CEUS and SWE in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* written informed consent
* diagnosis of Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis
* indication to start biologic treatment according to international guidelines
* affected intestinal segment detectable in B-mode ultrasound

Exclusion Criteria:

* induction of biologic therapy in prophylaxis after surgery in Crohn's disease
* lack of visualization of affected intestinal tract (eg. obesity)
* diagnosis of undetermined colitis
* 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.