Computed tomographic colonography.
OBJECTIVE
Computed tomographic colonography is a new and noninvasive method to evaluate the colon. The goal of this review is to discuss the latest data and define outstanding issues related to computed tomographic colonography.


RESULTS
Computed tomographic colonography is gaining momentum as a potential primary colon cancer screening method in the USA. Although not as accurate as colonoscopy, the accuracy of computed tomographic colonography for detection of large lesions appears to be in the 80-90% range. The field is rapidly evolving, not only in terms of technology but also in a variety of other practical areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Current data suggest that computed tomographic colonography is a viable colon cancer screening modality in the USA. However, it is not ready for widespread implementation, largely because of lack of standards for training and reading and the fact that the number of skilled readers is limited.
Rockey
Don C
DC
Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, Texas 75390-8887, USA. don.rockey@utsouthwestern.edu
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology