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Researchers published information in the journal Radiology which notes the benefits of using 3D endoluminal views with CT colonoscopy (CTC) to measure the size of polyps. This approach is most effective in round shaped polyps.

The research was completed by an international team, including clinicians from Korea and New York City. The teams considered multiple approaches to measuring polyps; including automated and manual measurements completed with endoluminal views. The goal of the research team was to determine the optimal surface rendering threshold.

Assessment was completed with a porcine model and in vivo human tissue specimens, over 100 different specimens were examined. CTC examination was completed with 16-slice CT system from Siemens; automated specimen measurement was also completed with a Siemens product. The manual measurement of polyp size was with a tool from GE Healthcare.

Data collected indicates that manual measurement yielded a general decline in polyp size while the threshold varied from -800 to -500 HU. These findings were anticipated in light of the underlying principles of surface rendering. They did determine that the optimal level for accurate polyp measurement with endoluminal views was -500 HU.

Automated measurement is much more consistent and reproducible. However, these measurements can be inaccurate for polyps that are shaped oddly or are close to a bulbous edge of the haustral fold.

Determining the size of a polyp during CTS is a key component of examination, as size is correlated with cancer risk. The researchers noted that 3D endoluminal views allow for examination that assesses the longest axis of the polyp. Current recommendations indicate that dimension is determined by the longest dimension of the polyp, not including images obtained with either 2- or 3D images.

January 23, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Trends, Diagnostic, Radiology, Gastroenterology