Computed tomographic colonography (CTC): a retrospective analysis of a single site experience and a review of the literature on the status of CTC.
OBJECTIVE
To review local CT colonography (CTC) data with regard to demographics, and both colonic and extracolonic findings. To improve performance by identifying any deficiencies that need to be addressed, in relation to a literature review of the current status of CTC.


METHODS
A retrospective observational analysis was conducted of all the patients undergoing CTC for the 3-year period from 9 August 2007 - 12 August 2010 (n=302) conducted at a single site: Greenlane Hospital (ADHB outpatients).


RESULTS
In total, 12 of the 302 patients (4%) were found to have cancer, 24 polyps (8%), and 111 diverticular disease (37%). 21 patients (7%) were referred on for optical colonoscopy following their CTC, and 34 patients (11%) had follow-up recommendations resulting from extracolonic findings, including 24 recommendations for further imaging. A trend towards under-representation of both Māori and Pacific Island groups undergoing CTC, and over-representation of Asians was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has reported on the experience of CT colonography at Greenlane Hospital over a 3-year period. It has provided important local data on rates of detection of colonic pathology. Māori and Pacific Islanders need encouragement from primary health practitioners to present for bowel examination.
Radiology Department, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. marcusghuman@hotmail.com
Marcus
M
Ghuman
Ngaire
N
Bates
Helen
H
Moore
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002423:Cause of Death; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000208:ethnology; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000208:ethnology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000208:ethnology; D005060:Europe / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011114:Polynesia / Q000208:ethnology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult