Researchers from Rhode Island Hospital have successfully reduced radiation dose in virtual colonoscopy exams while maintaining diagnostic quality images by decreasing the tube voltage on the CT scanner, according to an article in the current issue of Radiology.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2013, the U.S. will see 102,480 new cases of colon cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer. Colorectal cancers are expected to cause about 50,830 deaths during 2013.
In the study, a research team led by Dr. Kevin J. Chang assessed the effect of reducing the CT scanner voltage on dose and on 3D image quality in patients undergoing virtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography, or CTC). In a population of 63 patients, the researchers found a statistically significant decrease in radiation dose, with only slightly lower 3D image quality in patients of all sizes.
The findings could mean lower radiation doses for screening virtual colonoscopy exams, Chang said.
