CT colonography promotion belies gold standard preference of imagers

For the last several years, radiology imaging journals have been eager to discuss colonic assessment by CT, as in your August 2006 edition ("Multinational study cements safety of CT colonography," page 14). Like many radiologists, I attend sundry meetings and, for the last two years, have queried fellow physicians as to how they wish to be evaluated in the colon.

Less than 5% of the radiologists suggested CT evaluation. If one is to be assessed by either CT or classic colonoscopy, the preparation is essentially the same. Overwhelmingly, physicians go for the gold standard.

Why don't the editors stop comforting CT manufacturers that are trying to make more money and recognize that traditional colonoscopy is the study of choice?

>-Richard Hamilton, M.D.
New York, NY