CTC is a safe and accurate cancer detection technique widely used overseas but underused here
Computed tomography colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a minimally invasive method for examining the whole colon using computed tomography to acquire images after distension of the colon with air or carbon dioxide through a small rectal tube. Dedicated software enables 2D and 3D fly-through models for interpretation. No sedation is required. CTC has been used since the mid-1990s, the earliest Australian experience being in 1996–1997.1
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Mendelson RM, Foster NM, Edwards JT, et al. Virtual colonoscopy compared with conventional colonoscopy: a developing technology. Med J Aust 2000; 173: 472-475.
- 2. Pickhardt PJ, Choi JR, Hwang I, et al. Computed tomographic virtual colonoscopy to screen for colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic adults. N Engl J Med 2003; 349: 2191-2200.
- 3. Johnson CD. Accuracy of CT colonography for detection of large adenomas and cancers (ACRIN trial). N Engl J Med 2008; 359: 1207-1217.
- 4. de Haan MC, Pickhardt PJ, Stoker J. CT colonography: accuracy, acceptance, safety and position in organised population screening. Gut 2015; 64: 342-350.
- 5. Halligan S, Altman DG, Taylor SA, et al. CT colonography in the detection of colorectal polyps and cancer: systematic review, meta-analysis, and proposed minimum data set for study level reporting. Radiology 2005; 237: 893-904.
- 6. Pickhardt PJ, Hassan C, Halligan S, Marmo R. Colorectal cancer: CT colonography and colonoscopy for detection — systematic review and meta-analysis. Radiology 2011; 259: 393-405.
- 7. Burling D. CT colonography standards. Clin Radiol 2010; 65: 474-480.
- 8. Zalis ME, Barish MA, Choi JR, et al. CT colonography reporting and data system: a consensus proposal. Radiology 2005; 236: 3-9.
- 9. Neri E, Halligan S, Hellström M, et al. The second ESGAR consensus statement on CT colonography. Eur Radiol 2013; 23: 720-729.
- 10. Halligan S, Wooldrage K, Dadswell E, et al. Computed tomographic colonography versus barium enema for diagnosis of colorectal cancer or large polyps in symptomatic patients (SIGGAR): a multicentre randomised trial. Lancet 2013; 381: 1185-1193.
- 11. The 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. ICRP Publication 103. Ann ICRP 2007; 37: 1-332
- 12. Spada C, Stoker J, Alarcon O, et al. Clinical indications for computed tomographic colonography: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) Guideline. Eur Radiol 2015; 25: 331-345.
- 13. Taylor SA, Halligan S, Saunders BP, et al. Use of multidetector-row CT colonography for detection of colorectal neoplasia in patients referred via the Department of Health “2-Week-wait” initiative. Clin Radiol 2003; 58: 855-861.
- 14. Behrens C, Stevenson G, Eddy R, et al. The benefits of computed tomographic colonography in reducing a long colonoscopy waiting list. Can Assoc Radiol J 2010; 61: 33-40.
- 15. Sanders AD, Stevenson C, Pearson J, et al. A novel pathway for investigation of colorectal symptoms with colonoscopy or computed tomography colonography. N Z Med J 2013; 126: 45-57.
- 16. Pyenson B, Pickhardt PJ, Sawhney TG, Berrios M. Medicare cost of colorectal cancer screening: CT colonography vs. optical colonoscopy. Abdom Imaging 2015; 40: 2966-2976.
- 17. Pickhardt PJ. CT colonography for population screening: ready for prime time? Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60: 647-659.
- 18. National Institute of Health and Welfare. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program monitoring report: phase 2, July 2008–June 2011 (AIHW Cat. No. CAN 61; Cancer Series No. 65). Canberra: AIHW; 2012. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421408 (accessed June 2017).
This article is written on behalf of the ARGANZ. Members of the ARGANZ are listed in the online Appendix.
No relevant disclosures.