To evaluate the efficacy of a training program in ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture using a cost-effective model. We evaluated the training of 20 resident radiology physicians, based on a theoretical course and a practical simulation part with models that focused on the puncture technique of thyroid nodules. The total time to perform the procedure, the number of punctures on the model surface, and the application of a questionnaire were used to assess the performance and confidence of the resident physicians in performing the procedure. The training model used was easy to reproduce, inexpensive, versatile, and capable of simulating the echotexture of thyroid tissue. There was a significant reduction in the total time needed to perform the procedure with a mean of 173.7 s±91.28 s from R1 and 112.8 s±17.66 s from R2 before the course vs. 19.2 s±112.8 s and 14.3 s±9.36 s, respectively, after the course (p<0.0001); as well as the number of superficial punctures, with a mean of 2.2 punctures±0.92 from R1 and 1.5 punctures±0.32 from R2 before the course vs 1.1 punctures±0.71 and 1.0 puncture±0.0, respectively, after the course (p<0.0001). There was also a subjective improvement in the performance and confidence in performing this procedure. An inexpensive and easy-to-reproduce gelatin-based model enabled adequate training of resident physicians and proved capable of improving their skills and confidence in simulating the procedure, even with a short period of training.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder with variable progression that often leads to hospitalization, treatment escalation, or surgery. While clinical and endoscopic indices guide disease monitoring, cross-sectional enterography provides unique visualization of transmural and extramural inflammation, offering valuable prognostic information. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prognostic significance of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and computed tomography enterography (CTE) in Crohn’s disease. Following PRISMA guidelines and a registered protocol, eight databases were systematically searched through August 2024. Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment (QUADAS-2), and certainty grading (GRADE). Random-effects models were applied for pooled analyses. Eleven studies, including more than 1500 patients, met eligibility criteria. Across cohorts, transmural healing on enterography was consistently associated with favorable long-term outcomes, including a markedly lower need for surgery and hospitalization. Conversely, stenosis and persistent inflammatory activity identified patients at substantially higher risk of surgery, treatment intensification, or disease-related hospitalization. The certainty of evidence was high for surgical outcomes and moderate to low for other endpoints. Conventional enterography provides meaningful prognostic insight into Crohn’s disease and should be considered a complementary tool for risk stratification and treatment planning. Transmural healing represents a protective marker of a favorable disease course, whereas structural and inflammatory findings indicate patients who may benefit from closer monitoring or earlier therapeutic intervention.