Virtual Colonoscopy by Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Reconstruction in Screening and Surveillance of Colorectal Polyps

To evaluate the diagnostic value of virtual colonoscopy using computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in screening and surveillance of colorectal polyps. Methods: 756 patients underwent CTC and follow-up conventional colonoscopy in two teaching hospitals. Radiologists interpreted the CTC images using computer 3D technique. The outcome measures were the sensitivity and specificity of CTC for the identification of polyps seen at colonoscopy. RESULTS: CTC detected 204 polyps in 189 of the 212 patients and conventional colonoscopy detected 244 colorectal polyps more than 5 mm in diameter in 207 of the 212 patients. For polyps detection, the overall sensitivity of CTC was 85% (95% CI, 81%-93%) but this increased to 95% (95% CI, 88%-99%) for polyps more than 10 mm in size. CTC and colonoscopy screening strategies resulted in similar detection rates for advanced neoplasia. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted detection applied to CTC is a sensitive screening and surveillance tool for the screening of colorectal polyps.