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CTC technique: methods to ensure an optimal exam

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Abstract

CT colonography (CTC) has demonstrated equivalent accuracy to optical colonoscopy in the detection of clinically relevant polyps and tumors but this is only possible when technique is optimized. The two most important features of a high-quality CTC are a well-prepared colon and a distended colon. This article will discuss the dietary, bowel preparation, and fecal/fluid tagging options to best prepare the colon. Strategies to optimally distend the colon will also be discussed. CT scan techniques including patient positioning and radiation dose optimization will be reviewed. With proper technique which includes sufficient bowel preparation, fecal/fluid tagging, bowel distension, and optimized scan technique, high-quality CTC examinations should become more feasible, easier to interpret, and more consistently reproducible leading to increased utilization and increased referrals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St., Newton, MA, 02462, USA

    Kevin J. Chang

  2. The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    Kevin J. Chang

  3. Department of Radiology, E3/311 Clinical Science Center, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53792-3252, USA

    David H. Kim

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Correspondence to Kevin J. Chang.

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KJC has no conflict of interest. DHK is co-founder of VirtuoCTC, Consultant for Viatronix, Medical Advisory Board Digitalartforms, Shareholder Cellectar, and Shareholder Elucent.

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This article does not contain any studies with live human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Chang, K.J., Kim, D.H. CTC technique: methods to ensure an optimal exam. Abdom Radiol 43, 523–538 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-018-1499-y

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