Low-dose CT, 3D tools benefit colon screening

Researchers in Germany have found that low-dose 64-slice CT colonography accurately detects colorectal polyps in a screening population and tested a new visualization tool that streamlines interpretation. They released their studies at the 2006 RSNA meeting.

Dr. Anno Graser, a radiologist at the University of Munich, compared CTC and colonoscopy in 300 asymptomatic subjects who underwent same-day studies after complete bowel cleansing. Graser and colleagues used online modulation to calculate effective dose and a primary 3D reading approach with 2D correlation. Although detection of flat lesions remains problematic, they found that CTC accurately detects significant colorectal polyps.

In another study, Graser found that a panoramic visualization tool, which enables simultaneous antegrade and retrograde views, reduced mean interpretation time from 18.5 minutes to 10 minutes, a statistically significant difference.