Unlike sonography, an operator-dependent procedure, MRI is not subject to interpretation or inter-observer variation, and may be more useful than ultrasound for the monitoring of young patients with hepatic steatosis.

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Knowledge of the potential variants of ileocecal valve, the most frequent pathologic conditions as well as some pitfalls encountered during the analysis of CT Colonography images are thus indispensable for radiologists who perform and interpret such examinations and for general practitioners who are approaching this technique. Awareness of these different diagnostic possibilities is mandatory for radiologists evaluating CT Colonography datasets. Combined analysis of 2D axial and reformatted slices and 3D endoluminal views provides the highest level of diagnostic accuracy. We present the multidetector CT Colonography findings with endoscopic correlation and discuss the possible pathologies and the practical implications.

Objective To evaluate if an adequate bowel preparation for CT colonography, can be achieved without diet restriction, using a reduced amount of cathartic agent and fecal tagging. To investigate the influence of patients’ characteristics on bowel preparation and the impact on patients’ compliance. Methods In total, 1446 outpatients scheduled for elective CT colonography were prospectively enrolled. All patients had the same bowel preparation based on a reduced amount of cathartic agent (120 g of macrogol in 1.5 l of water) the day before the exam and a fecal tagging agent (60 ml of hyperosmolar oral iodinated agent) the day of the exam. No dietary restrictions were imposed before the exam. The bowel preparation was evaluated using a qualitative and quantitative score. Patients were grouped by age, gender, and presence of diverticula in both scores. Patients’ compliance has been evaluated with a questionnaire after the end of the exam and with a phone-calling interview the day after the exam. Results According to the qualitative score, adequate bowel preparation was achieved in 1349 patients (93.29%) and no statistical differences were observed among the subgroups of patients. Quantitative scores demonstrated that colon distension was significantly better in younger patients and without diverticula. A good patients’ compliance was observed and most patients (96.5%) were willing to repeat it. Conclusions The lack of diet restriction does not affect the quality of CTC preparation and good patient’s compliance could potentially increase the participation rate in CRC screening programs. Key Points • An adequate quality bowel preparation for CT colonography can be achieved without diet restriction, using a reduced amount of cathartic agent (120 g of macrogol in 1.5 l of water) and fecal tagging (60 ml of hyperosmolar oral iodinated agent). • A bowel preparation based on the combination of a reduced amount of cathartic agent and fecal tagging, without diet restriction, allows obtaining good quality in more than 90% of patients. • The bowel preparation scheme proposed reduces the distress and discomfort experienced by the patients improving adherence to CTC.

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