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European society of gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology (ESGAR): Consensus statement on CT colonography

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Abstract

Rapid clinical dissemination of CT colonography (CTC) is occurring in parallel with continued research into technique optimisation and diagnostic performance. A need exists therefore for current guidance as to basic prerequisites for effective clinical implementation. A questionnaire detailing CTC technique, analysis, training and clinical implementation was developed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) CTC committee and circulated to all faculty members of previous ESGAR “hands-on” CTC training courses. Responses were collated and a consensus statement produced. Of 27 invited to participate, 24 responded. Reasonable consensus was reached on bowel preparation, colonic distension, patient positioning, use of IV contrast and optimal scan parameters. Both primary 2D and primary 3D analysis were advocated equally, with some evidence that more experienced readers prefer primary 2D. Training was universally recommended, although there was no consensus regarding minimum requirements. CTC was thought superior to barium enema, although recommended for screening only in the presence of validated local experience. There was consensus that polyps 4 mm or less could be ignored assuming agreement from local gastroenterological colleagues. There is increasing consensus amongst European experts as to the current best practice in CTC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Imaging, University College Hospital, 2F Podium, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom

    Stuart A. Taylor & Steve Halligan

  2. Departments of Imaging, ICOT-Latina, Institution University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Via Franco Faggiana 34, Latina, Italy

    Andrea Laghi

  3. Departments of Imaging, Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Bruggesteenweg 90, B-8800, Roeselare, Belgium

    Philippe Lefere

  4. Departments of Imaging, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Jaap Stoker

Authors
  1. Stuart A. Taylor
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  2. Andrea Laghi
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  3. Philippe Lefere
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  4. Steve Halligan
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  5. Jaap Stoker
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Correspondence to Stuart A. Taylor.

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Taylor, S.A., Laghi, A., Lefere, P. et al. European society of gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology (ESGAR): Consensus statement on CT colonography. Eur Radiol 17, 575–579 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0407-y

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