FAPi-PET Imaging of in Vivo Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

FAPi-PET Imaging of in Vivo Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Our main objective is to evaluate the feasibility of 68Ga-FAPi PET/CT in detecting intestinal fibrosis in patients with IBD. To this end, we will determine 68Ga-FAPi uptake in IBD in relation to cellular FAP expression in intestinal biopsies and resection specimens.

Inclusion Criteria:

Group 1

- Adults ≥18 years with confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease

AND one of the following:

• Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, bloody and/ or lose stools and abdominal pain, or obstructive symptoms.
• Increased CRP (>5 mg/L) and/or fecal calprotectin levels (>250 mg/kg)
• Active disease confiremed by endoscopy ( endoscopic SES-CD score >3)
• Active disease confirmed by IUS or MRI (bowel wall thickening, signs of active disease) Group 2
• Adults ≥18 years with confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis

AND one of the following:

• Active disease confirmed by endoscopy (endoscopic Mayo score ≥ 2) or
• Active disease confirmed by intestinal ultrasound (BWT > 3 mm in atleast one bowel segment and atleast one other pathological IUS parameter)
• Increased CRP (>5 mg/L) and/or fecal calprotectin levels (>250 mg/kg)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Unable to provide informed consent
• IBD-related surgeries < 5 years in medical history
• Colorectal carcinoma