CT colonography: single- versus multi-detector row imaging

Radiology. 2001 May;219(2):461-5. doi: 10.1148/radiology.219.2.r01ma28461.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare respiratory artifacts, colonic distention, and polyp detection at computed tomographic (CT) colonography by using single- and multi-detector row helical CT systems.

Materials and methods: A total of 237 consecutive patients received subcutaneously administered glucagon and underwent prone and supine CT colonography with single-detector row CT (n = 77) and multi-detector row CT (n = 160), followed by colonoscopy. Examination results were graded for colonic distention, respiratory artifacts, and polyp depiction by two radiologists working independently.

Results: Suboptimal colonic distention was significantly more common with single-detector row CT and was present in at least one segment in 52% (40 of 77 patients) of examinations versus only 19% (30 of 160 patients) with multi-detector row CT (P <.001). Mild respiratory artifacts were present in 61% (47 of 77 patients) of single-detector row CT examinations versus only 16% (26 of 160 patients) of multi-detector row CT examinations (P <.001). Depiction of polyps larger than 10 mm was 89% (eight of nine polyps) for single-detector row CT and 80% (eight of 10 polyps) for multi-detector row CT (P >.05).

Conclusion: CT colonography performed with multi-detector row CT significantly improved the demonstration of colonic distention and depicted fewer respiratory artifacts compared with single-detector row CT. No significant differences in the depiction of polyps larger than 10 mm were demonstrated between single- and multi-detector row CT for a small number of polyps. Studies with a larger prevalence of clinically important polyps are needed for further evaluation of differences in polyp detection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Artifacts
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colonic Polyps / diagnosis
  • Colonic Polyps / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Respiration
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*