Clinical application of computed tomography virtual colography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the computed tomography (CT) virtual colographic features of colonic polyps, colorectal cancer, diverticula, ulcerative colitis and other benign colonic lesions. Also, to assess the value of this method in the diagnosis of colorectal lesions. METHODS: Computed tomography colography was performed in 37 patients (26 male, 11 female) suffering from the following conditions: 20 colonic adenomas, six colon cancers, four diverticula, five ulcerative colitis and one each of melanosis coli and amyloidosis. The data from CT scanning were processed by computer with specific software and the colonic lesions were evaluated with 2- or 3-D images, depending on the individual software. RESULTS: Seventeen cases of colonic adenoma, six colon cancers, four diverticula and two cases of ulcerative colitis were detected by using CT colography. However, melanosis coli and amyloidosis of the colon were not detected. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography colography can detect all colonic polyps of 0.5 cm in diameter or larger, colon cancer, diverticula and some ulcerative colitis successfully. It is quick, minimally invasive and able to be tolerated well. It has the potential to become an effective radiological tool in diagnosing colonic lesions.