CT colonography: what the gastroenterologist needs to know

Abstract

REVIEWCT colonography has evolved rapidly over recent years into the best radiological method for investigating colonic neoplasia. Technological advances enable very fast CT scans (patients hold breath for less than 10 s per scan) with improved spatial resolution and lower radiation dose. User friendly reading software, incorporating computer aided diagnosis, enables radiologists to accurately review data in multiple anatomical planes, utilising both two-dimensional and 'endoluminal' three-dimensional displays. However, as demand for colonic investigation increases (particularly in an older, more frail population), alongside socio-political drives to reduce waiting times, the quality of interaction between endoscopy and radiology becomes of paramount importance. There are pros and cons for both CT colonography and endoscopy and their relative benefits can be fully exploited by closely aligned gastroenterology and radiology teams, potentially improving diagnostic efficiency and patient experience. This review will update gastroenterologists on current CT colonography techniques and will emphasise the need for strong partnership between endoscopy and radiology colon imaging services.

CT Colonography – Overview of Current Clinical Practice

“…Some countries practise the use of computed tomographic colonography, CTC, as a screening method and it represents a combination between classic colonoscopy and computed tomography. In addition to the name CTC, today it is also called virtual colonoscopy, and it represents a fast, safe and less invasive technique than colonoscopy [3].…”