New CT Technique for Imaging the Colon

A new computed tomography (CT) technique for imaging the colon allows doctors to study the inside and outside of the colon, view the wall of the colon using volume rendering, view three oblique images of the area along with the endoluminal view, and mark areas of interest while navigating the area in different planes simultaneously. The technique uses new software called CT Colonography, which has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CT Colonography makes it easier for doctors to accurately detect the size and location of polyps and lesions, according to the developer, GE Medical Systems (Waukesha, WI, USA). When used on GE's LightSpeed Ultra eight-slice CT scanner, colon exams are 50% faster than exams on LightSpeed's four-slice system. Noninvasive imaging may be of particular benefit to elderly patients who cannot tolerate the sedation needed for endoscopy and colonoscopy, patients with blockages in the colon, and patients taking certain medications. CT Colonography can complement endoscopy and colonoscopy exams to help doctors more accurately interpret the images and plan treatments.

"Our new CT colonography application allows physicians to see inside the colon without the use of invasive devices, including endoscopes,” noted Dow Wilson, general manager of Global CT at GE Medical Systems.




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