Role of CT colonography in inflammatory bowel disease

Eur J Radiol. 2009 Mar;69(3):404-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.11.027. Epub 2009 Jan 22.

Abstract

CT colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, is a non-invasive imaging method that uses CT data sets combined with specialized imaging software to examine the colon. CTC is not used routinely in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, investigating contemporarily the colon, other abdominal organs and the peritoneum with CTC is at times useful in patients with IBD, especially when other diagnostic tools fail. Furthermore, since symptoms of colorectal cancer sometimes superimpose to those of inflammatory disease, it may happen to image patients with IBD incidentally. If clinical signs are suggestive for inflammatory disease, exam technique should be modified accordingly and distinguishing radiological findings searched for.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / methods*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestines / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods*