Virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, is a novel and rapidly evolving technique for the detection of tumoral lesions in the colon. It promises to be of great value as a screening tool for both colorectal cancer and its adenomatous precursor. Virtual colonoscopy requires rigorous preparation, colonic distension, and optimization of scanning parameters. Dedicated reading, analysis, and reporting of the data sets are mandatory. With contributions from several leaders in the field, this book addresses all the important issues relating to virtual colonoscopy. There is a particular focus on practical aspects: how to start virtual colonoscopy in your department, the regular preparation, the importance of fecal tagging, how to reduce the preparation, how to obtain optimal colonic distension, and the correct scanning parameters. Imaging characteristics and pitfalls are considered in detail, with an extensive pictorial review of difficult lesions, and the importance of computer-aided diagnosis is discussed. This book will be invaluable to every radiologist seeking information on how to perform the exciting technique of virtual colonoscopy.

Autorentext

Co-organisers of the ESGAR CTC workshop

Member of ESGAR CTC steering committee

Inhalt
CTC: Why We Do It.- Starting CT Colonography in Your Department.- The Eligible Patient: Indications and Contraindications.- Patient Preparation for CT Colonography.- The Alternative: Faecal Tagging.- How to Get the Colon Distended?.- The Right Scanner Parameters to Use.- How to Interpret the Data Sets?.- How to Avoid Pitfalls in Imaging. Causes and Solutions to Overcome False Negatives and False Positives.- 3D Imaging: Invaluable for the Correct Diagnosis?.- Extracolonic Findings in CT Colonography.- The Future: Computer-Aided Detection.- Quality and Consistency in Reporting CT Colonography.- Virtual Colonoscopy Beyond Polyp Detection?.- Pictorial Overview of Normal Anatomy, Mimics of Disease, and Neoplasia at CT Colonography.