Current Status on Performance of CT Colonography and Its Clinical Application

Abstract

CT Colonography technology and its advances, since its evolution during the early 80’s of the last century up till now, with its software programs and real time fly through techniques, has been concerned about early diagnosis of cancer colon using a well trusted ,non-invasive technique , having the well distinct features of optical colonoscopy and the precision of the CT as an imaging modality. During this time, the scope of indications of the CT Colonography modality widened to include early detection of colonic polyps (as a method for detection of precancerous lesions), and flat lesions (either small sized, flat polyps or lesions of inflammatory bowel diseases i.e Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis). In spite of the debate about CTC, and the possibility of its implementation on a worldwide scale, either as a complementary modality to Optical colonoscopy or as a primary screening technique, CTC is now a mature and robust imaging modality, whose results in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients show a low complication rate and good diagnostic performance relative to literature standards, such that it may have a greater role to play as a minimally invasive diagnostic and screening test that could help shorten colonoscopy wait times and allow patients to avoid unnecessary colonoscopies. CTC has the advantage of being complementary to optical colonoscopy, superior to Barium Enema such that with time, its implementation as a screening program for early detection of colorectal carcinoma or its precancerous lesions will be well established.