CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) for the detection of colorectal polyps and neoplasms: current status and future developments

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a new, rapidly developing non-invasive CT technique used to detect colonic polyps and cancers. It employs two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of the colon in order to display neoplastic lesions. Clinical trials demonstrate promising results for the detection of polyps and cancers greater than or equal to 10 mm in size. Our purpose is to describe the technique of CT colonography, review recent published trials of CT colonography, and elucidate current clinical applications. Continuing technical innovations such as multidetector CT, computer-aided diagnosis, new image display techniques and faecal tagging promise to improve the performance and patient acceptance of CT colonography in the future. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.