Virtual Colon Dissection with CT Colonography Compared with Axial Interpretation and Conventional Colonoscopy: Preliminary Results

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine whether a new virtual colon dissection 3D visualization technique for CT colonography has a shorter analysis time and better sensitivity for detection of colonic polyps than interpretation of axial CT images.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. CT colonography was performed in 22 patients using 4-MDCT followed by conventional colonoscopy on the same day. The CT colonography data sets were analyzed by virtual colon dissection, which virtually bisects and unfolds the colon along its longitudinal axis to inspect the inner colonic surface for polyps. The same CT data sets were independently evaluated using axial interpretation. All data sets were independently interpreted by two radiologists in a blinded manner.RESULTS. Conventional colonoscopy revealed 31 colonic lesions in 20 patients. Twentytwo of the lesions were smaller than 10 mm; nine were 10 mm or larger. Two of the original 22 patients were excluded, one because of residual stool and fluid and the other because of a...