The Diagnostic Value of Virtual Colonoscopy in Colonic Diseases

Aim: This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice computed tomography (CT) colonography in detecting colorectal lesions. Material and Methods: 22 patients with confirmed or clinically suspected colorectal pathology underwent multi-slice CT colonography followed by conventional colonoscopy on the same day. The diagnostic findings of multi-slice CT colonography were compared with those obtained from conventional colonoscopy. Results: Of 22 patients who underwent CT colonography, 10 (45%) were evaluated as normal. Bowel wall thickening was observed in 4 patients (18%), while polypoid lesions were detected in 8 (36%). Among the 9 polypoid lesions identified through conventional colonoscopy, 8 were also detected by CT colonography. The overall sensitivity of CT colonography for polypoid lesions, regardless of size, was 89%. Sensitivity was 50% for lesions smaller than 1 cm and 100% for lesions larger than 1 cm. When polypoid lesions were evaluated according to their histology, the sensitivity of CT Colonography was found to be 50% in tubular adenoma, 100% in tubulovillous adenoma, and 100% in adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: The sensitivity of CT colonography for detecting colorectal polypoid lesions was found to be 89%. These results indicate that CT colonography is a valuable diagnostic modality for comprehensive evaluation of the colon. CT colonography represents a viable alternative to traditional colorectal cancer screening methods due to its high sensitivity for detecting colorectal lesions, coupled with its relatively safe and minimally invasive nature.