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Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 14, 2008; 14(26): 4137-4141
Published online Jul 14, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4137
Expanding role of capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease
Blair S Lewis
Blair S Lewis, Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1067 Fifth Ave, New York 10128-0101, United States
Author contributions: Blair Lewis wrote this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Blair S Lewis, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1067 Fifth Ave, New York 10128-0101, United States. blairslewismdpc@covad.net
Telephone: +1-212-3696600
Fax: +1-212-3698975
Received: February 27, 2008
Revised: April 7, 2008
Accepted: April 14, 2008
Published online: July 14, 2008
Abstract

Capsule endoscopy has been shown to detect small bowel inflammatory changes better than any other imaging modality. Selection criteria have been optimized to increase the yield of capsule endoscopy in patients suspected to have Crohn’s disease. Capsule endoscopy allows for earlier diagnosis of Crohn’s disease of the small bowel and improved diagnosis of colitis in patients where it is unclear if they suffer from Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. A test capsule is available to assess for small bowel strictures and thus avoid capsule retention. A common language has been developed and a new scoring index will be added to capsule software. It is envisioned that the manner in which we treat Crohn's disease in the future will change, based on earlier diagnosis and treatment aimed at mucosal healing rather than symptom improvement.

Keywords: Capsule endoscopy, Crohn’s disease, Capsule scoring index