Cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging and enteroclysis in the diagnostic imaging of Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enteroclysis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

A decision analytic model was performed considering the correct diagnoses of CD and complications such as fistulas and abscesses as effects. Costs were estimated in Euro([symbol: see text]) using German fee schedules.

RESULTS

MRI was more effective and more costly compared with enteroclysis. Incremental cost-effectiveness of MRI versus enteroclysis was [symbol: see text]1,595 per additional correctly diagnosed patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MRI in the work-up of patients with CD cannot be generally recommended from an economical perspective, but results of sensitivity analysis suggest that in patients with high prevalence of complications, MRI becomes as cost-effective as enteroclysis, which is accepted standard diagnostic imaging.