ACR Appropriateness Criteria colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Most colorectal cancers can be prevented by detecting and removing the precursor adenomatous polyp. Individual risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer will influence the particular choice of screening tool. CT colonography (CTC) is the primary imaging test for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk individuals, whereas the double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) is now considered to be a test that may be appropriate, particularly in settings where CTC is unavailable. Single-contrast barium enema has a lower performance profile and is indicated for screening only when CTC and DCBE are not available. CTC is also the preferred test for colon evaluation following an incomplete colonoscopy. Imaging tests including CTC and DCBE are not indicated for colorectal cancer screening in high-risk patients with polyposis syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease. This paper presents the updated colorectal cancer imaging test ratings and is the result of evidence-based consensus by the ACR Appropriateness Criteria Expert Panel on Gastrointestinal Imaging. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria on colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common causes of cancer death in this country. This malignancy is ideally suited for screening because the detection and removal of the precursor adenomatous polyp can prevent most colorectal cancers from ever forming. The choice of a test for screening involves consideration of various individual parameters, including patient age and the presence of risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer. Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) has emerged as the leading imaging technique for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk individuals on the basis of the evidence presented in this paper. The double-contrast barium enema is an alternative imaging test that is appropriate particularly when CTC is not available. In 2008, the American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening was revised jointly with the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and the ACR to include CTC every 5 years as an option for average-risk individuals. Computed tomographic colonography is also the preferred test for colon evaluation after an incomplete colonoscopy. Imaging tests including CTC and the double-contrast barium enema are usually not indicated for colorectal cancer screening in high-risk patients with polyposis syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease. This paper presents the new colorectal cancer imaging test ratings and is the result of evidence-based consensus by the ACR Appropriateness Criteria Expert Panel on Gastrointestinal Imaging.

Computed tomography findings of unanticipated prolonged ileocolic intussusception in children.

BACKGROUND: Attempted nonsurgical reduction of ileocolic intussusceptions after 48 hours is controversial because of the low probability of reduction and an increased risk of perforation. We sought to retrospectively identify computed tomography (CT) criteria that may help to predict bowel viability and successful enema reduction in children with ileocolic intussusception. METHODS: Unanticipated intussusception was diagnosed using CT in six children with mild, atypical symptoms of four to seven days' duration at a single institution during a one-year period. All patients underwent laparotomy without prior contrast enema. Surgical findings were compared with preoperative CT scan findings to identify any criteria that may predict successful nonsurgical management. RESULTS: Contrast CT scan findings were diagnostic of ileocolic intussusception. At the time of laparotomy, three children had easily reducible ileocolic intussusception with nonischemic bowel. Two children had irreducible intussusception with ischemic bowel requiring resection, and one child had a difficult reduction of nonischemic but edematous bowel. Preoperative CT scan findings correlated well with intraoperative findings for all patients. Findings of bowel-wall edema of the intussuscipiens and partial small-bowel obstruction shown on CT were associated with intussusception that was nonreducible or difficult to reduce. CONCLUSION: Patients with prolonged intussusception diagnosed using CT scan may safely undergo contrast enema reduction if no bowel-wall edema of the intussuscipiens or obstruction is demonstrated.