Role of intestinal ultrasound in ulcerative colitis: A systematic review

Table 14 Summary of studies on implementation of intestinal ultrasound services

Ref.	Year	Country	Survey participants	Main results
Maconi et al[96]	2011	Italy	12 sonographers	24% of ultrasound referrals were for bowel ultrasound; 78% referred by gastroenterologists; half for suspected bowel disease and half for follow-up
Hafeez et al[95]	2014	United Kingdom	63 radiology and 73 gastroenterology departments	Barium meal follow through and CT preferred for luminal and extraluminal complications; IUS mainly for young patients with low suspicion of Crohn’s disease; used in 44% of radiology departments
Rajagopalan et al[99]	2019	Australia	121 patients	IUS scored highest in the visual analogue scale as compared to colonoscopy, stool/blood sampling/imaging; IUS improved patient IBD specific knowledge of the need for medical therapy and disease extent
Radford et al[97]	2022	United Kingdom	103 IBD physicians	30% have IUS service (100% had MRI service); average time to reporting; USG (1-4 wk) (MRI: 4-6 wk); 59.6% confident in clinical decision-making using USG (MRI: 97%)
Radford et al[98]	2023	United Kingdom	14 stakeholders	Barriers to implement IUS service: (1) Reliance on existing imaging pathways; (2) Reluctance to change; (3) Perceived lack of precision; and (4) Initial financial and time outlay. Perceived benefits: (1) Reduced waiting time; (2) Earlier diagnosis and treatment allocation; (3) Reduced hospital appointments; and (4) Better understanding of disease

CT: Computed tomography; USG: Ultrasonography; IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease; MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging; IUS: Intestinal ultrasound.