Visceral Fat Area to Subcutaneous Fat Area >0.63 and Long Segment ≥3 cm as a Non-Invasive Method to Identify Crohn’s Disease

Objective: Crohn's disease is often difficult to diagnose.The combined score of visceral fat area/subcutaneous fat area (VFA/SCFA) >0.63 and a long segment (LS) 3 cm has previously been used to differentiate between Crohn's disease and tuberculosis.We investigated whether this score identifies only Crohn's disease and differentiates it not only from tuberculosis but also from other etiologies.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data at Peerless Hospital and B.K. Roy Research Centre, Kolkata, from June 2023 to January 2024.A total of 31 patients were included (15 diagnosed with Crohn's disease, 16 diagnosed with other etiologies).Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen was performed in all clinically suspected patients, and VFA/SCFA was calculated at the level of the L4-L5 vertebrae.LS was also measured.Each patient was followed up for one year.The chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance, using MedCalc version 15.8 software.We compared the results with other radiologically applicable scores. Results:The combined score of 2, using VFA/SCFA >0.63 and LS 3 cm, showed a p-value of 0.0001 and was significantly associated with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in our study. Conclusion:The combined score of VFA/SCFA >0.63 and LS 3 cm is a useful tool for identifying Crohn's disease and may serve as an additional marker for the condition.Keywords: Crohn's disease, long segment, visceral fat Therefore, based on our findings, the absence of both parameters makes Crohn's disease less likely. CONCLUSIONThe combined score of VFA/SCFA ratio >0.63 and LS involvement >3 cm is a useful tool for diagnosing Crohn's disease and, even more so, for excluding it.The p-value was 0.0001, indicating statistical significance.However, multicentric studies are needed to further validate its sensitivity and specificity.Nevertheless, this combined score can serve as a screening tool and a non-invasive test for the diagnosis of newly detected Crohn's disease.