From the Literature: Virtual Colonoscopy

Accuracy of CT Colonography for Detection of Large Adenomas and Cancers

C. Daniel Johnson, M.D., M.M.M., et al

NEJM 2008; 359 (12):1207-1217.

Early detection for colorectal cancer is key, and current recommendations are for men and women to be screened regularly beginning at 50 years old. However, for a variety of reasons including cost and discomfort, many patients are not adhering to current guidelines and are not undergoing colonoscopies. This study, which involved 2,600 patients at 15 medical centers, indicates that CT colonographies are about as good (90%) as the standard colonoscopies in detecting adenomas of 10 mm or more in diameter. And while the test is less effective for smaller polyps, the authors suggest that the less invasive nature of this procedure may make it an attractive alternative for low-risk patients.