Fundamental elements for successful performance of CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
There are many factors affecting the successful performance of CT colonography (CTC). Adequate colonic cleansing and distention, the optimal CT technique and interpretation with using the newest CTC software by a trained reader will help ensure high accuracy for lesion detection. Fecal and fluid tagging may improve the diagnostic accuracy and allow for reduced bowel preparation. Automated carbon dioxide insufflation is more efficient and may be safer for colonic distention as compared to manual room air insufflation. CT scanning should use thin collimation of < or =3 mm with a reconstruction interval of < or =1.5 mm and a low radiation dose. There is not any one correct method for the interpretation of CTC; therefore, readers should be well-versed with both the primary 3D and 2D reviews. Polyps detected at CTC should be measured accurately and reported following the "polyp size-based" patient management system. The time-intensive nature of CTC and the limited resources for training radiologists appear to be the major barriers for implementing CTC in Korea.
Department of Radiology and the Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 388-1 Poongnap-2dong, Songpa-gu, 138-736 Seoul, Korea. seongho@amc.seoul.kr
Seong Ho
SH
Park
Judy
J
Yee
Se Hyung
SH
Kim
Young Hoon
YH
Kim
D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005243:Feces; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods
D002400:Cathartics; D003287:Contrast Media; D002245:Carbon Dioxide