title: Virtual colonoscopy: current status and future directions.
abstract: Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) is a technique whereby CT images of the cleansed and distended colon are acquired, ostensibly for detecting colonic neoplasia, although also providing additional diagnostic information from extracolonic organs. This article examines the current status of virtual colonoscopy, reviewing the technical parameters, performance characteristics, and issues surrounding implementation in routine clinical practice. Future directions for virtual colonoscopy are explored, including advances toward prepless examinations and automated interpretation.
authors.affiliation: Intestinal Imaging Centre, St. Mark's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burling
authors.forename: Stuart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halligan
mesh_terms: D002400:Cathartics; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000639:trends; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007417:Intestinal Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics