“THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” (STAR TREK-THE NEXT GENERATION, SEASON 3, EPISODE 26, STARDATE 43989.1)

Computed tomography (CT) colonography is a recently introduced technique which is being investigated for several indications. Its role as a screening tool for polyp detection is still controversial.^1–7 Most studies show that the method has a sensitivity of >90% in detecting colorectal polyps of 10 mm or more in size. However, the influence of the scanner or visualisation hardware and software is not clear.^8,9 Additionally, the learning curve for image interpretation is an important quality and cost factor for CT based colonography.¹ Despite these concerns, the use of CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based colonography in patients with incomplete colonoscopy is becoming a more and more accepted examination method in experienced clinical centres.^10,11 The major downside of sectional radiological imaging such as CT and MRI is the lack of specific functional data. The only functional information in CT and standard MR imaging is contrast media uptake, which is a rather unspecific feature. On the other hand, functional imaging methods such as [¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are particularly accurate in staging primary and recurrent colorectal cancer, but suffer from inferior anatomical resolution.^12–14 Consequently, it …