ACR Colon Cancer Committee white paper: status of CT colonography 2009.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current status and rationale of the updated ACR practice guidelines for CT colonography (CTC).


METHODS
Clinical validation trials in both the United States and Europe are reviewed. Key technical aspects of the CTC examination are emphasized, including low-dose protocols, proper insufflation, and bowel preparation. Important issues of implementation are discussed, including training and certification, definition of the target lesion, reporting of colonic and extracolonic findings, quality metrics, reimbursement, and cost-effectiveness.


RESULTS
Successful validation trials in screening cohorts both in the United States with ACRIN and in Germany demonstrated sensitivity > or = 90% for patients with polyps >10 mm. Proper technique is critical, including low-dose techniques in screening cohorts, with an upper limit of the CT dose index by volume of 12.5 mGy per examination. Training new readers includes the requirement of interactive workstation training with 2-D and 3-D image display techniques. The target lesion is defined as a polyp > or = 6 mm, consistent with the American Cancer Society joint guidelines. Five quality metrics have been defined for CTC, with pilot data entered. Although the CMS national noncoverage decision in May 2009 was a disappointment, multiple third-party payers are reimbursing for screening CTC. Cost-effective modeling has shown CTC to be a dominant strategy, including in a Medicare cohort.


CONCLUSIONS
Supported by third-party payer reimbursement for screening, CTC will continue to further transition into community practice and can provide an important adjunctive examination for colorectal screening.
McFarland
Elizabeth G
EG
Center for Diagnostic Imaging, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Fletcher
Joel G
JG
Pickhardt
Perry
P
Dachman
Abraham
A
Yee
Judy
J
McCollough
Cynthia H
CH
Macari
Michael
M
Knechtges
Paul
P
Zalis
Michael
M
Barish
Matthew
M
Kim
David H
DH
Keysor
Kathryn J
KJ
Johnson
C Daniel
CD
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States