Effect of Reducing Abdominal Compression during Prone CT Colonography on Ascending Colonic Rotation during Supine-to-Prone Positional Change

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of reduced abdominal compression in prone position on ascending colonic movement during supine-to-prone positional change during CT colonography (CTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients who had undergone prone CTC scanning with cushion blocks placed under the chest and hip/thigh to reduce abdominal compression and had confirmed sessile polyps > or = 6 mm in the well-distended, straight, mid-ascending colon, were included. Radial location along the ascending colonic luminal circumference (degrees) was measured for 24 polyps and 54 colonic teniae on supine and prone CTC images. The supine-to-prone change ranging between -180degrees and +180degrees (- and + for internal and external colonic rotations, respectively), was determined. In addition, possible causes of any ascending colonic rotations were explored. RESULTS: Abdominal compression during prone CTC scanning completely disappeared with the use of cushion blocks in 17 of 18 patients. However, some degrees of ascending colonic rotation were still observed, with the radial location changes of -22degrees to 61degrees (median, 13.9degrees) for the polyps and similar degrees for teniae. Fifty-four percent and 56% of polyps and teniae, respectively, showed changes > 10degrees. The radial location change of the polyps was significantly associated with the degree of anterior shift of the small bowel and mesentery (r = 0.722, p < 0.001) and the degree of posterior displacement of the ascending colon (r = 0.566, p = 0.004) during supine-to-prone positional change. CONCLUSION: Ascending colonic rotation upon supine-to-prone positional change during CTC, mostly in the form of external rotation, is not eliminated by removing abdominal compression in prone position.

Vascular Map Combined with CT Colonography for Evaluating Candidates for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography colonography (CE-CTC) is a useful guide for the laparoscopic surgeon to avoid incorrectly removing the colonic segment and the failure to diagnose of synchronous colonic and extra-colonic lesions. Lymph node dissection and vessel ligation under a laparoscopic approach can be time-consuming and can damage vessels and organs. Moreover, mesenteric vessels have extreme variations in terms of their courses and numbers. We describe the benefit of using an abdominal vascular map created by CE-CTC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery candidates. We describe patients with different diseases (colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease) who underwent CE-CTC just prior to laparoscopic surgery.

Using computed tomography colonography in patients at high risk of colorectal cancer - a prospective study in a university hospital in South America

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to report the results of the implementation of computed tomography colonography in a university hospital setting serving a Brazilian population at high risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: After creating a computed tomography colonography service in our institution, 85 patients at high risk of colorectal cancer underwent computed tomography colonography followed by a same-day optical colonoscopy from September 2010 to May 2012. The overall accuracy of computed tomography colonography in the detection of lesions ≥6 mm was compared to that of optical colonoscopy (direct comparison). All colonic segments were evaluated using quality imaging (amount of liquid and solid residual feces and luminal distension). To assess patient acceptance and preference, a questionnaire was completed before and after the computed tomography colonography and optical colonoscopy. Fisher's exact test was used to measure the correlations between colonic distension, discomfort during the exam, exam preference and interpretation confidence. RESULTS: Thirteen carcinomas and twenty-two lesions ≥6 mm were characterized. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of computed tomography colonography were 100%, 98.2% and 98.6%, respectively. Computed tomography colonography was the preferred method of investigation for 85% of patients. The preparation was reported to cause only mild discomfort for 97.6% of patients. According to the questionnaires, there was no significant relationship between colonic distension and discomfort (p>0.05). Most patients (89%) achieved excellent bowel preparation. There was a statistically significant correlation between the confidence perceived in reading the computed tomography colonography and the quality of the preparation in each colonic segment (p≤0.001). The average effective radiation dose per exam was 7.8 mSv. CONCLUSION: It was possible to institute an efficient computed ...

Utilidad de la cromoscopia virtual computarizada en la detección de lesiones planas colorectales / Computerized virtual chromoscopy utility in flat colorectal lesions

Las lesiones planas están asociadas con mayor frecuencia a la presencia de carcinoma invasor superficial. La magnificación endoscópica permite el análisis detallado de la superficie mucosa de lesiones sospechosas y predecir, por sus características morfológicas, si son lesiones benignas o malignas, permitiendo decidir conducta terapéutica al momento del estudio. Los tumores de diseminación lateral de colon y recto, son lesiones >10mm con bajo eje vertical extendidas lateralmente a lo largo de la pared luminal. Okamoto describe dos grupos: tipo granular, endoscópicamente numerosos nódulos de color homogéneo en comparación con mucosa colónica circundante; tipo plano, lesiones con superficie plana en ausencia de formación de gránulos nodulares. Establecer utilidad de la cromoendoscopia virtual computarizada y magnificación (FICE) para la determinación de las lesiones detectadas en estudios de video colonoscopia; decidir en el momento del procedimiento, la conducta a seguir. Se utilizó el modelo de clasificación de Paris en las lesiones colorectales detectadas. Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo en pacientes que acudieron a una consulta de centro privado, en el período Enero 2009-Marzo 2012, realizándoles video colonoscopia con FICE, con equipo Fujinon EPX-4400, por un mismo endoscopista. Se revisaron 1298 video colonoscopias, 269 casos con lesiones planas en colon de los cuales 17 (6.31%) fueron lesiones tipo II (diseminación lateral); 9 del sexo femenino (52.94%) y 8 masculino (47.05%); 7 fueron lesiones IIa no granular (41.17%), 7 IIa granular (41.17%), 2 IIc no granular (11.76%) y 1 IIc granular (5.88%). En relación a la ubicación 5 casos (29.41%), en transverso; 4 casos (23.52%) tuvieron resección endoscópica y 13 casos (76.47%) fueron referidos para resolución quirúrgica de los cuales, histológicamente: 7 fueron tubulovellosos (41,18%) y 1 de estos presentó displasia de alto grado y los 6 restantes de bajo grado....

The flat lesions are associated with a high incidence of invasive superficial carcinoma; the endoscopic magnification allows a more detailed evaluation of the superficial lesions and can predict if they will be or not malignant, allowing to take a therapeutic decision at the moment of the videocolonoscopy. These tumours are lesions no more than 10 mm, whit a low vertical axis wich extents laterally along the lumen of the colon. Okamoto describes two groups: Granular type Endoscopically are numerous nodules with the same color compared with the surrounding colonic mucosae; and the Flat type which are flat lesions without presence of nodules. To establish the utility of the virtual computerized chromoendoscopy and magnification (FICE)® in the evaluation of lesions detected in videocolonoscopies performed and in order to take a therapeutic decision. We used the Paris model for the classification of the colorectal lesions encountered at the time of the colonoscopy. We performed a retrospective and descriptive study in patients who evaluated in a private office between January 2009-March 2012, a videcolonoscopy with FICE® using a videocolonoscope Fujinon EPX 4400 ® all studies were performed by the same operator. 1298 videocolonoscopies were performed, 269 cases with flat lesions, 17 (6.31%) were lesions type II (lateral spread), 9 were females (52,94%) and 8 males (47,05%), 7 were lesions type IIa, non granular (41,17%), 7 IIa granular (41,17%), 2 IIc non granular (11,76%), and 1 IIc granular (5,88%), 5 cases (29,41%) were located in transverse colon, 4 (23,52%) were successfully removed endoscopically , and 13 (76,47) were referred for surgical treatment, in relation with the histopathology: 7 were tubulovillous (41,18%), and 1 associated with high degree dysplasia and 6 low degree dysplasia. Our study demonstrates, the usefulness of the FICE® in the detection of flat lesions and permits obtain samples for biopsy and make therapeutic decisions

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las complicaciones biliares asociadas al trasplante hepático / Diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications associated with liver transplantation

Las complicaciones biliares se presentan en 10 - 25% de los pacientes que reciben un trasplante hepático y pueden causar una importante morbilidad e incluso la pérdida del injerto. Las complicaciones más comunes son la estenosis biliar (anastomótica y no anastomótica), fuga biliar y litiasis biliar. La gran mayoría de estas complicaciones puede tratarse con éxito mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica. Esta revisión se centra en el diagnóstico, factores de riego y tratamiento endoscópico de las complicaciones biliares asociadas al trasplante hepático

Biliary complications ocurr in 10 - 25% of liver transplant recipients and are associated to a significant morbidity and the possibility of graft failure. The most common biliary complications are strictures (both anastomotic and non-anastomotic), bile leaks and stones. Most of these complications can be appropriately managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This article will review the diagnosis, risk factors, and endoscopic management of biliary complications related to liver transplantation

Colonoscopia virtual: papel en el screening del cáncer colorrectal / Virtual colonoscopy: role in colorectal cancer screening

La colonoscopia virtual (CV) desempeña dos papeles en el screening del cáncer colorrectal (CCR): uno indiscutidoy otro que plantea un debate, aun entre las diferentes sociedades gastroenterológicas, radiológicasy de cáncer más representativas del mundo.El papel que no genera discusión es la clara superioridad (avalada por numerosa evidencia en la literatura) de la CV sobre el estudio colon por enema (CXE) en la detección de CCR y pólipos. Tampoco plantea debate su integración en programas de screening, como reemplazo del CXE en el caso de una colonoscopia convencional (CC) incompleta. El papel que sí es discutido es el avalado por la American Cancer Society (ACS), la US Multi-Society TaskForce on Colorectal Cancer y el American College of Radiology (ACR) que incluye la CV en el grupo deestudios (junto con la CC, la sigmoidoscopia y el CXE) como método diagnóstico en el screening del CCR enpacientes de riesgo promedio, para ser realizado cada 5 años a partir de los 50 años. Algunas sociedades, como el American College of Gastroenterology o el Asia Pacific Working Group onColorectal Cancer, consideran la CV como un método de segunda línea para aquellos pacientes reacios a realizaruna CC o con CC incompletas.Ya sea con un papel discutido u otro más cuestionado, lo cierto es que la CV se viene utilizando y se utiliza cada vez más y no podemos dejar de conocer cómo se realiza, cuáles son sus ventajas, limitaciones y eficaciadiagnóstica. Desde el año 2007 se vienen realizando en el Servicio de Diagnóstico por Imágenes del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires un promedio de 950 estudios por año. Y es importante recalcar que la CV no compite con laCC sino que la complementa. El objetivo del presente artículo es: explicar y dar a conocer en qué consiste el métodoy cómo se realiza e interpreta, mostrar sus ventajas, limitaciones y eficaciadiagnóstica.

Efficacy of Barium-Based Fecal Tagging for CT Colonography: a Comparison between the Use of High and Low Density Barium Suspensions in a Korean Population - a Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: This preliminarily study was designed to determine and to compare the efficacy of two commercially available barium-based fecal tagging agents for CT colonography (CTC) (high-density [40% w/v] and low-density [4.6% w/v] barium suspensions) in a population in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a population with an identified with an average-risk for colorectal cancer, 15 adults were administered three doses of 20 ml 40% w/v barium for fecal tagging (group I) and 15 adults were administered three doses of 200 ml 4.6% w/v barium (group II) for fecal tagging. Excluding five patients in group I and one patient in group II that left the study, ten patients in group I and 14 patients in group II were finally included in the analysis. Two experienced readers evaluated the CTC images in consensus regarding the degree of tagging of stool pieces 6 mm or larger. Stool pieces were confirmed with the use of standardized CTC criteria or the absence of matched lesions as seen on colonoscopy. The rates of complete fecal tagging were analyzed on a per-lesion and a per-segment basis and were compared between the patients in the two groups. RESULTS: Per-lesion rates of complete fecal tagging were 52% (22 of 42; 95% CI, 37.7-66.6%) in group I and 78% (28 of 36; 95% CI, 61.7-88.5%) in group II. The difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.285). The per-segment rates of complete tagging were 33% (6 of 18; 95% CI, 16.1%-56.4%) in group I and 60% (9 of 15; 95% CI, 35.7%-80.3%) in group II; again, the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.171). CONCLUSION: Barium-based fecal tagging using both the 40% w/v and the 4.6% w/v barium suspensions showed moderate tagging efficacy. The preliminary comparison did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the tagging efficacy between the use of the two tagging agents, despite the tendency toward better tagging with the use of the 4.6% w/v barium suspension.

A Comparison of Patient Acceptance and Preferences Between CT Colonography and Conventional Colonoscopy in Colorectal Cancer Screening

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in developed countries, is curable when diagnosed at an early stage. However, for better screening, both a test that patients will tolerate and diagnostic accuracy are required. We compared patient experiences and preferences between computed tomographic (CT) colonography and conventional colonoscopy (CC) under conscious sedation. METHODS: Patients referred to the gastrointestinal clinic for CC were enrolled to also undergo CT colonography prior to CC. After each procedure, patients completed a questionnaire in which variables, such as abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and loss of dignity, were assessed using a 7-point Likert scale, with the highest score representing the worst experience. To verify response stability, a telephone questionnaire followed within 24 h after each procedure. Patients were then asked about their preference for CT colonography or CC. RESULTS: Data were collected from 51 patients who fulfilled all requirements, including CT colonography, CC, the two questionnaires after each procedure, and a follow-up questionnaire. Severity of abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and a loss of dignity were reported to be higher in CT colonography than in CC (p<0.01). In addition, the preference for CC was significantly higher than that for CT colonography (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although CT colonography is a safe and noninvasive screening test for colorectal cancer, further study is required to increase patient acceptance.

Resultados de la pesquisa del cáncer colorrectal mediante videocolonoscopía en una población cerrada / Results of the colonoscopic colorectal cancer screening a community hospital

Antecedentes: La detección de lesiones preneoplásicas y del cáncer colorrectal a través de distintos estudios es efectiva para la prevención y el tratamiento de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados obtenidos con videocolonoscopías efectuadas a pacientes asintomáticos, sin riesgo de enfermedad neoplásica colorrectal. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Población: Pacientes sometidos a videocolonoscopías, cuyo motivo de estudio fue pesquisa. Método: Se analizaron características demográficas, tipo y localización de los hallazgos patológicos. Resultados: De 1788 videocolonoscopías realizadas entre Marzo de 2005 y Marzo de 2006. 214 (12 %) fueron por pesquisa. 115 (54 %) pacientes fueron hombres y 99 (46 por ciento) mujeres, con una edad promedio de 59.6 (50-79) años. El estudio fue completo en el 96,7 por ciento. En 71 (33 %) estudios se halló patología. En el 60 por ciento de éstos se encontraron pólipos. La prevalencia de pólipos en esta población fue del 20 por ciento y de cáncer colorrectal del 1,4 %. Se hallaron 59 pólipos en 43 pacientes. 42,4 % fueron hiperplásicos, 52.5 por ciento adenomatosos y el 5,1 % cánceres. El 76.3 % de los pólipos se localizaron en colon izquierdo y recto y el 23,7 % en colon derecho. De los 31 pólipos adenomatosos, 7 (22,6 %) se hallaron en colon derecho (3 con displasia) y 24 (77.4 %) en el izquierdo (19 con diplasia). Los 3 cánceres se localizaron en el colon derecho. 7/59 pólipos midieron más de 10 mm, 5 en rectosigma (adenomatosos con displasía) y 2 en colon derecho (cánceres). No hubo complicaciones ni mortalidad asociadas al método. Conclusión: La videocolonoscopía es eficaz como método de pesquisa en una población cerrada.

Background: Colonoscopy is considered the most effective screening tool for detecting premalignant lesions and early colorectal cancer (CRC). Aim: To evaluate the results with colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in average risk patients. Design: Retrospective study. Patients and Methods: All patients that underwent colonoscopy for screening were included. Screening was defined as colonoscopic examination in asymptomatic patients, older than 50 years, within family history of CRC and within history of colon diseases. Demographic characteristics, type and location of pathological findings were analyzed. Results: From 1788 colonoscopies achieved between March 2005 and March 2006, 214 (12 %) were for screening. The mean age of the patients was 59,6 (50-79) years, and 54 % (115) were men. Colonoscopy to the level of the cecum was completed in 96,7 % of the patients. 71 (33 %) procedures showed some pathological finding. 60 per cent of them were polyps, 33per cent diverticular disease and other things in 7 per cent. The prevalence of polyps was 20 %, adenomas 11,2 % and CRC 1.4 %. We found 59 polyps in 43 patients, 76,3 % in the left colon, 31 were adenomas, 25 hyperplastic polyps and 3 CRC. 7 (22,6 %) of 31 adenomas were found in the proximal colon. And all (3) CRC were situated in the right colon. 7/59 polyps had a diameter of at least 10 mm, five of them were adenomas with some grade of dysplasia and two CRC. There were no morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure. Conclusion: Colonoscopy is an effective tool for colorectal cancel' screening in a Community Hospital.

Fundamental Elements for Successful Performance of CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

There are many factors affecting the successful performance of CT colonography (CTC). Adequate colonic cleansing and distention, the optimal CT technique and interpretation with using the newest CTC software by a trained reader will help ensure high accuracy for lesion detection. Fecal and fluid tagging may improve the diagnostic accuracy and allow for reduced bowel preparation. Automated carbon dioxide insufflation is more efficient and may be safer for colonic distention as compared to manual room air insufflation. CT scanning should use thin collimation of < or =3 mm with a reconstruction interval of < or =1.5 mm and a low radiation dose. There is not any one correct method for the interpretation of CTC; therefore, readers should be well-versed with both the primary 3D and 2D reviews. Polyps detected at CTC should be measured accurately and reported following the "polyp size-based" patient management system. The time-intensive nature of CTC and the limited resources for training radiologists appear to be the major barriers for implementing CTC in Korea.

Diagnostic Performance of CT Colonography for the Detection of Colorectal Polyps

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of CT colonography for the detection of colorectal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2004 to December 2005, 399 patients underwent CT colonography and follow-up conventional colonoscopy. We excluded cases of advanced colorectal cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the CT colonography findings and follow-up conventional colonoscopy findings of 113 patients who had polyps more than 6 mm in diameter. Radiologists using 3D and 2D computer generated displays interpreted the CT colonography images. The colonoscopists were aware of the CT colonography findings before the procedure. RESULTS: CT colonography detected 132 polyps in 107 of the 113 patients and conventional colonoscopy detected 114 colorectal polyps more than 6 mm in diameter in 87 of the 113 patients. The sensitivity of CT colonography analyzed per polyp was 91% (41/45) for polyps more than 10 mm in diameter and 89% (101/114) for polyps more than 6 mm in diameter. Thirteen polyps were missed by CT colonography and were detected on follow-up conventional colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: CT colonography is a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of colorectal polyps and adequate bowel preparation, optimal bowel distention and clinical experience are needed to reduce the rate of missing appropriate lesions.

Incomplete Colonoscopy in Patients with Occlusive Colorectal Cancer: Usefulness of CT Colonography According to Tumor Location

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the clinical usefulness of CT colonography (CTC) after incomplete conventional colonoscopy (CC) for occlusive colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the tumor location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with occlusive CRC underwent subsequent CTC immediately after incomplete CC. Fifty-nine patients had distal CRC and 16 had proximal colon cancer. Experienced radiologists prospectively analyzed the location, length, and TNM staging of the main tumor. The colorectal polyps in the remaining colorectum and additional extraluminal findings were also recorded. Sixty-seven patients underwent colorectal resection. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcome and correlated CTC and CC findings. RESULTS: The overall accuracies of tumor staging were: T staging, 86%; N staging (nodal positivity), 70% (80%); and intra-abdominal M staging, 94%. Additional colonic polyps were found in 23 patients. Six synchronous carcinomas were detected (9%); three in the proximal colon and three in the distal colon of occlusion. Clinically significant localization errors at CC were noted in 8 patients (12%, 5 proximal colon cancers and 3 distal CRCs) and were corrected by CTC. After CTC, the surgeons modified the initial surgical plan in 11 cases (16%). CONCLUSION: In occlusive CRC, CTC is not only useful in the evaluation of the proximal bowel, but can also provide surgeons with accurate information about staging and tumor localization. CTC is recommended when endoscopists encounter occlusive CRC, regardless of tumor location.

Colonoscopía virtual con apertura de haustras / Virtual colonoscopy with unfolded haustra software

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del programa informático de apertura de haustras denominado Filet View en la evaluación de las lesiones colónicas elevadas, mediante colonoscopia virtual. Pacientes y métodos: Veintitrés pacientes fueron evaluados mediante videocolonoscopía y colonoscopía virtual, en su forma convencional y utilizando el programa Filet View. Fue registrado el tiempo de análisis de cada procedimiento. Los estudios fueron clasificados: 1) normal, 2) patológico, 2a) lesiones de menos de 5 mm 2b) lesiones entre 5 y 9 mm y 2c) lesiones de más de 9 mm. Las proporciones fueron calculadas por el método exacto binomial, con intervalos de confianza del 95 por ciento. Resultados: Colonoscopía virtual contra videocolonoscopía: sensibilidad 85,3 por ciento, especificidad 96 por ciento. El tiempo del procesamiento de la información fue de 15 ± 3 minutos. Colonoscopía virtual con apertura de haustras contra videocolonoscopía: sensibilidad 82,9 por ciento, especificidad 97,4 por ciento; con un tiempo de 8 ± minutos. Conclusiones: Utilizando a la videocolonoscopía como testigo, el programa de apertura de haustras no tiene diferencias significativas en el diagnóstico de lesiones elevadas colónicas comparado con el sistema de colonoscopía virtual convencional, pero reduce significativamente el tiempo de análisis.

Colonoscopia virtual / Virtual colonoscopy

Since the first report in 1994 virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography has had an explosive development due to the improvement in hardware and software. The multidetector CT has allowed faster studies with better images due to better multiplanar reconstructions and its speed avoiding the artifact of the breathing or bowel peristalsis. The new software has allowed to obtain better 3D images and faster reconstruction with shorter interpretation. This development, the use of standarized protocol plus the experience of trained radiologists have obtained sensitivity and specificity over 85% and 95% in polyps smaller and larger than 10 mm respectively. These results and the lower price of virtual colonoscopy in the United States compared with fibrocolonoscopy has done this technique a real alternative for the screening of colorectal cancer side by side with fibrocolonoscopy.

Desde la primera publicación sobre colonoscopía virtual o colonografía por tomografía computada (TC) esta técnica ha tenido un explosivo crecimiento especialmente dado por el desarrollo en el hardware, específicamente por la introducción de la TC multicorte que ha permitido obtener mejores imágenes gracias a la mayor velocidad que ha obviado los artefactos dados por el movimiento respiratorio y el peristaltismo intestinal. Otro factor importante en su desarrollo ha sido el gran avance en los programas computacionales (software) que han automatizado la técnica obteniendo recons-trucciones 3D de mejor calidad y en menor tiempo. El notable desarrollo tecnológico sumado a la estandarización de la técnica y la mayor experiencia lograda en diferentes centros ha hecho que en la actualidad la sensibilidad y especificidad de la colonografía sobrepasen el 85 y 95% para los pólipos menores y mayores de 1 cm, respectivamente. Todo esto, sumado a la estandarización de la técnica ha llevado a posicionarla como una alternativa válida y en estrecha competencia con la fibrocolonoscopía en la pesquisa de los pólipos de colon.

Virtual colonoscopy in ulcerative colitis: a comparative study

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Many investigations are put for diagnosis and follow up of its course and complications. Virtual reality imaging is a new technology that combines helical computed tomography, magnetic resonance [MR] data and advanced three-dimensional graphics software to generate endoluminal perspective images of hollow organs.Computed tomography colonography [Virtual colonoscopy] is an imaging procedure in which a series of helical CT scans of the patient's colon are rendered by computer into slices that can be visualized as serially combined images to provide a three-dimensional tour of the colon. In this work, we try to evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of virtual colonoscopy as a new modality for colorectal evaluation in patients who had been subjected to traditional colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema study and who were diagnosed as having a chronic intermittent ulcerative colitis disease and to correlate the findings of virtual colonoscopy with those of conventional colonoscopy and barium study. This work was conducted on eighteen [18] patients admitted to Banha Gastroenterology unit. They were ten [10] males and eight [8] females with age ranging form 19-41 years; mean age [28.1 +/- 11.5] years. All patients were subjected to complete medical history, thorough clinical examination, routine laboratory tests and special laboratory investigations as carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] and occult blood in stool. Abdominal ultrasonography, barium double-contrast enema, traditional colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy were clone for all patients. Colonoscopic biopsies were obtained as a routine in every case. In our study, traditional colonoscopy gave positive data in 100.0%, while virtual colonoscopy gave positive results in 61.1% and barium enema gave positivity in 55.6%. Characteristic features of ulcerative colitis were evident on the 2-D images and the 3-D endoluminal and extraluminal images obtained by virtual colonoscope. From this study, we concluded that CT colonography [Virtual Colonoscopy] is a non invasive procedure feasible lor follow up of ulcerative colitis and could be used to monitor the extent of intestinal inflammations as well as possible complications such as malignant changes, strictures or stenosis in most patients. Further technical advances will improve the performance of CT colonoscopy and will allow patients available imaging modality for full structural changes of the colon