Report on the 5th ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS

The workshop kicked off with two introductory lectures on the key aspects to observe in IUS and MRI (given by Mariangela Allocca and Pasquale Paolantonio, respectively), leading into the practical hands-on session. Delegates (60 in the morning session and another 60 in the afternoon session) were divided into groups of ten individuals at six different stations. Here, with the guidance of expert tutors – one radiologist and one gastroenterologist per station – they engaged in interactive discussions on MRI exams and carried out sonographic assessments, utilising hands-on IUS simulators across various IBD cases.

The covered topics included the early evaluation and management of suspected IBD, assessment of Crohn’s Disease activity, identification of complications such as strictures, fistulas and abscesses, evaluation of postoperative recurrence, management of perianal Crohn's Disease and assessment of Ulcerative Colitis activity. This small group format and comprehensive coverage offered all delegates the chance to interact, exchange experiences and deliberate on specific clinical scenarios commonly encountered in IBD practice. Furthermore, the limitations and advantages of different imaging techniques were discussed, as was the value of their combined use in patient care. The pros and cons of MRI and IUS were also addressed in a joint conversation held by Francesca Maccioni and Christian Maaser (the latter was replaced by Frauke Petersen in the afternoon session). This course offered an opportunity to explore the potential of ultrasound and to acquire a deeper understanding of MRI and its significance in patient care. The enthusiastic response from participants right after the workshop truly underscored its value and impact.  

Endoscopy Portion

In 2024, the ECCO Endoscopy Workshop reached its 5^th 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 with endoscopy, as well as the endoscopic treatment of complications. As in the past, the course was highly successful and interactive.

The course attempted to address all aspects related to endoscopy in IBD. The first half addressed more basic but fundamental aspects, such as knowledge and application of endoscopic indices. Two theoretical and practical sessions reinforced how important it is that physicians who treat IBD patients make the most of these examinations, in addition to highlighting the relevance of endoscopy in enabling patients to achieve mucosal healing.

The second half of the course addressed some more advanced aspects of endoscopy in the management of IBD, such as the best approach to stricture management and the use of high-definition endoscopy. The latest advances in the management of dysplasia were reviewed and there was discussion of how and when to perform surveillance endoscopies. The course closed with a look to the future with a lecture on the application of AI in IBD.

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 2025 the course will be updated with new topics, materials and discussions so as to reflect the latest 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 2025 in Berlin!

Mariangela Allocca and Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta
On behalf of the Educational Committee

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