Computed tomographic colonography: current perspectives and future directions

Gastroenterology. 2009 Jul;137(1):7-14. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.05.036. Epub 2009 May 18.

Abstract

Computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy or CT colography, is capable of detecting colon polyps and cancers. It is emerging rapidly and has gained great momentum over the past several years, to the point where it has been proposed to be a viable primary colon cancer screening option. Despite the current publicity, many issues concerning CT colonography remain. As of 2009, the following topics are of paramount importance: (1) accuracy, including both sensitivity and specificity, (2) bowel preparation, (3) safety, (4) extracolonic findings, (5) patient acceptability, (6) training and standardization, and (7) implementation of CT colonography. Although much about CT colonography has already been learned, more remains to be learned in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colonic Polyps / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / adverse effects
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / standards
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / trends*
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Mass Screening / adverse effects
  • Mass Screening / standards
  • Mass Screening / trends*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity