Colonoscopy Interpretation Improved with Color Coding
Color-coding stool with a moderate cathartic preparation can improve assessment of primary 3D CT colongraphy. An additional benefit of such is a decrease in patient discomfort sometimes experienced during preparation to undergo exams. The findings were reported in the current issue of the journal Radiology.
Researchers in Seoul considered benefits of a newly designed technique that discriminates color tagged stool. The research team was able to develop volume rendering along with an attenuation-dependent technique for color enhancement. This was a modification of the ray-casting method. These were designed to support 3D interpretation of the virtual colonoscopy studies.
This approach is designed for use during completion of 3D endolumoinal fly-through CT colonography. The imaging method changes only the colors of the exam. All the other components of the 3D image procured remain the same. The team assessed the effect of the tagging approach on the efficiency of reading and diagnostic accuracy of the approach.
This new method was assessed in a cohort of thirty patients scheduled to undergo virtual colonoscopy. After three drop outs, 27 patients participated. Patients received a moderate cathartic preparative regimen taken orally the day prior to the study.
Two radiologists reviewed the 3D CT imaging studies, both with extensive experience in the interpretation of CT colonography. One session included the color-coding technique and the second session did not.
The research team noted that the radiologists preferred the option to evaluate the studies which incorporated the 3D color coding. One benefit of this approach is a reduction in the number of repetitive 2D correlations. Also noted was a decrease in the amount of time to assess studies, by 2.5 to 3 minutes per case.
Importantly, there were no statistically significant differences in either the per-lesion sensitivity or per-patient specificity of the different interpretation means. With no differences in diagnostic accuracy, this new method may be preferable as use of virtual colonoscopy continues to grow.
September 12, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Radiology, IT & software