Crohn's Disease Diagnosis at Johns Hopkins
In the past, patients used to suffer with symptoms for years until they were given a proper diagnosis. Today, thanks to better imaging techniques and greater knowledge about Crohn's disease, the time between your initial doctor visit and the diagnosis and treatment phase is much shorter. A diagnosis of Crohn's disease begins with a comprehensive physical exam. However, your physical examination may be completely normal. Your doctor will use a number of other diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Together, these findings will create a complete picture about the nature of your condition. Diagnostic procedures include: Imaging Scans Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Colonoscopy Imaging Scans An imaging scan is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to obtain detailed images of the affected area. A computed tomography (CT) scan uses powerful X-ray technology to produce the images. Other imaging scans your doctor may recommend include: Double Contrast Barium Enema X-ray This is a specialized X-ray, using a contrast material to highlight the affected area. During the X-ray, your doctor can clearly see the right colon and the ileum (part of the small intestine), the two areas most often involved in Crohn's disease. Before the procedure, you will need to clear your colon of any stool. Preparations may include a liquid diet, enema or laxative. During a barium enema: A barium preparation (contrast material) is inserted through a rectal tube. The barium outlines the colon, highlighting any abnormalities. An X-ray is taken. Your doctor can look for evidence of Crohn's disease.
