Loading...
Computed tomographic colonography (CTC), like optical colonoscopy, requires a laxative bowel preparation. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a laxative-free CTC examination, Massachusetts researchers conducted an industry-supported, prospective trial that involved 605 adults (age range, 50–85) who underwent screening CTC as well as optical colonoscopy. Colonoscopy results were initially blinded to CTC results; CTC findings were revealed before withdrawal of the colonoscope. Colonoscopy findings (during withdrawal of the colonoscope) served as the reference standard.
Per-patient sensitivity for detection of polyps ≥10 mm did not differ significantly between the two screening methods. CTC had lower sensitivity if the cutoff for detectio…