Abstract
With the advent of multi-slice CT (MSCT), CT examination has achieved increased efficiencies and improved image quality in a revolutionary scanning modality. Under the condition, virtual endoscopy (VE), a technique for visualization of gastrointestinal carcinomas, using three-dimensional (3D) volumetric data generated by MSCT helical CT scanning, has undergone rapid development. In preoperative staging of gastrointestinal cancers, we can accurately evaluate local invasion and small lymph node metastases with MSCT, and MSCT colonography has been recognized as a new diagnostic tool for primary lesions replacing colonoscopy and barium enema study. VE, MPR (multi-planar reconstruction), whole 3D view, and their combination views are currently available to clearly visualize primary lesions and metastasis. In western countries, MSCT colonography is considered to have a great potential of being a modality for colorectal cancer screening. MSCT colonography, which is based on 3D volumetric data, has great potentials for computer-aided detection (CAD) for colorectal polyps and digital preparation. MSCT colonography with CAD is surely expected to improve diagnostic performance in colorectal mass screening, and digital preparation will reduce the burden of candidates. These favorable features will lead itself to really standardized and effective colorectal screening method in near future.
