Purpose
To compare total colonic gas volume and segmental luminal distention according to patient position at CT colonography (CTC), and determine which two views should constitute the routine protocol.
Methods
Volumetric analysis was retrospectively performed on CTC examinations from 146 adults (mean age, 59.2 years; 81M/65F; mean BMI, 30.9) where supine, prone, and right lateral decubitus series were sequentially obtained using continuous low-pressure CO2 insufflation. Total colonic gas volumes were assessed using a novel automated volumetric tool. In addition, two radiologists scored distention by segment using a 4-point scale (4=Optimal/3=Adequate/2=Inadequate/1=Collapsed).
Results
Mean colonic gas volume (±SD) for supine, prone, and decubitus positioning was 1,617±567 ml, 1441±505 ml, and 1901±627 ml, respectively (p<0.001). Colonic volume was highest on the right lateral decubitus series in 73.3% (107/146) and lowest in 6.2% (9/146) of cases, whereas the prone series was highest in 0.7% (1/146) and lowest in 73.3% (107/146) of cases. Overall mean segmental reader scores and % inadequate/collapsed for supine, prone, and decubitus positions were 3.48/3.33/3.71, and 10.4%/12.1%/4.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The only mean segmental scores below 3.0 were the sigmoid on supine (2.68) and prone (2.58), compared with 3.23 on decubitus (p<0.001). Improvement in both decubitus and supine distention over prone increased further with increasing BMI (p<0.001).
Conclusions
The right lateral decubitus position consistently yields the best colonic distention at CTC, and significantly improves sigmoid evaluation. Prone distention was the worst, particularly as BMI increased. Routine supine and decubitus positioning should be considered for standard CTC protocols, particularly in obese individuals. Automated volumetric analysis provides for rapid objective assessment of colonic distention.