title: European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR): consensus statement on CT colonography.
abstract: Rapid clinical dissemination of CT colonography (CTC) is occurring in parallel with continued research into technique optimisation and diagnostic performance. A need exists therefore for current guidance as to basic prerequisites for effective clinical implementation. A questionnaire detailing CTC technique, analysis, training and clinical implementation was developed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) CTC committee and circulated to all faculty members of previous ESGAR "hands-on" CTC training courses. Responses were collated and a consensus statement produced. Of 27 invited to participate, 24 responded. Reasonable consensus was reached on bowel preparation, colonic distension, patient positioning, use of IV contrast and optimal scan parameters. Both primary 2D and primary 3D analysis were advocated equally, with some evidence that more experienced readers prefer primary 2D. Training was universally recommended, although there was no consensus regarding minimum requirements. CTC was thought superior to barium enema, although recommended for screening only in the presence of validated local experience. There was consensus that polyps 4 mm or less could be ignored assuming agreement from local gastroenterological colleagues. There is increasing consensus amongst European experts as to the current best practice in CTC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Imaging, University College Hospital, 2F Podium, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom. csytaylor@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Stuart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laghi
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lefere
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halligan
authors.forename: Jaap
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stoker
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D032921:Consensus; D003287:Contrast Media; D005060:Europe; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D015642:Radiology, Interventional / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media