Objectives: To compare the cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enteroclysis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).
Methods: A decision analytic model was performed considering the correct diagnoses of CD and complications such as fistulas and abscesses as effects. Costs were estimated in Euro () using German fee schedules.
Results: MRI was more effective and more costly compared with enteroclysis. Incremental cost-effectiveness of MRI versus enteroclysis was 1,595 per additional correctly diagnosed patient.
Conclusions: The use of MRI in the work-up of patients with CD cannot be generally recommended from an economical perspective, but results of sensitivity analysis suggest that in patients with high prevalence of complications, MRI becomes as cost-effective as enteroclysis, which is accepted standard diagnostic imaging.