Report on the 4th ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS
Mariangela Alloca, EduCom Member and Uri Kopylov, EduCom Member
Ultrasound and MRI Portion
 Mariangela Allocca © ECCO |
 Uri Kopylov © ECCO |
The 4th ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS opened with two introductory lectures on what to look for in intestinal ultrasound (IUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), given by Christian Maaser (Germany) and Pasquale Paolantonio (Italy), respectively. These lectures introduced the hands-on part of the workshop. Delegates (n=60 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon session) were subdivided into small groups at 12 different stations, where, with the support of expert tutors – one radiologist and one gastroenterologist – they interactively discussed MRI exams and performed sonographic evaluations, employing hands-on IUS simulators on different IBD cases.
The topics covered were early assessment and management of suspected IBD, assessment of Crohn’s Disease activity, detection of complications of IBD such as strictures, fistulas and abscesses, evaluation of postoperative recurrence, management of perianal Crohn's Disease and assessment of Ulcerative Colitis activity. The small groups and this breadth of coverage ensured that all delegates had the possibility to interact, share experiences and discuss specific clinical situations commonly encountered in IBD practice. In addition, they enabled delegates to increase their knowledge of the limitations and advantages of the different imaging techniques and to appreciate the benefits of their synergistic use in patient management. The pros and cons of MRI and IUS were also discussed in a tandem talk held by Francesca Maccioni (Italy) and Rune Levring Wilkens, (Denmark). Due to the enormous interest and participation in this very interactive hands-on course, the course was offered twice, with the consequence that many of the tutors had to devote a complete day to teaching – many thanks to you all for your hard work!
This course represented an opportunity to explore the capabilities of ultrasound and to better understand MRI and its role in the management of patients, and it was very well appreciated, judging by the immediate feedback from delegates.
Endoscopy Portion
In 2023, the ECCO Endoscopy Workshop reached its 9th edition, and it has now become a mainstay of the educational activities of ECCO. Since 2019 the Endoscopy Workshop has been a part of the ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS. The workshop is organised by the ECCO Education Committee (EduCom). The course is targeted at physicians who would like to improve their skills and enhance their knowledge in the assessment and monitoring of IBD, as well as the treatment of complications.
As in the past, the course was highly successful and interactive. It featured live expert discussion with active participation of attendees via the ECCO IBD App. The course included a high volume of real-world video materials accompanied by live commentaries and hands-on discussion of real-world clinical dilemmas.
The course included three sessions and state of the art lectures. The main learning objectives included:
- Why, when and how to adopt key quality indicators in IBD endoscopy in order to improve the delivery of patient care
- How to write good-quality endoscopic reports and learn high-quality terminology for adoption in daily practice
- How to detect, characterise and manage colonic dysplastic lesions in IBD by using different cutting-edge endoscopic technologies, with due attention to the role of artificial intelligence
The course faculty included top renowned IBD and endoscopy specialists who are all key opinion leaders in the field.
The course was highly appreciated and well received by attendees. For the next ECCO Endoscopy Workshop in 2024 the course will be updated with new topics, materials and discussions so as to reflect the newest developments in the field.
Keep track of the ECCO Educational Activities and do not miss the next edition of the ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS in 2024 in Stockholm!
Mariangela Allocca and Uri Kopylov
On behalf of the Educational Committee
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