Field-cycling imaging (FCI) is an emerging technology that is being developed at the University of Aberdeen. It combines the use of a moderately high magnetic field (200mT) with the ability to probe low magnetic fields (0.2mT) so that image resolution can be preserved while also exploiting the high contrast present at low magnetic fields. This non-invasively provides quantitative data on the molecular dynamics in the tissues.~FCI represents a potentially new, non-invasive, way of assessing the extent and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD can affect the rectum and distal sigmoid colon, this condition is called Proctosigmoiditis (PS). Currently, diagnosis of IBD depends on endoscopy for direct visualisation of the upper and lower gut, using CT scanning, with its attendant use of ionising radiation, and conventional MRI, particularly for the small bowel. Determining the activity of IBD remains a continuing challenge.~In this proof-of-concept study, the investigators will explore the ability of FCI to detect active disease in patients with PS.
The goal of this pilot study is to explore the ability of field-cycling imaging, a new scanning technology being developed at the University of Aberdeen, to detect active disease in patients with proctosigmoiditis caused by inflammatory bowel disease.