CT colonography's role in the COVID-19 pandemic: a safe(r), socially distanced total colon examination

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2021 Feb;46(2):486-490. doi: 10.1007/s00261-020-02674-5. Epub 2020 Aug 3.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the favorable procedural profile of CT colonography (CTC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: Postponement of cancer screening due to COVID-19 has resulted in a backlog of individuals needing to undergo structural examination of the colon. The experience during the initial COVID-19 surge with urgent evaluation of the colon for transplant patients prior to transplant suggests that CTC can be done in a lower risk manner as compared to other structural examinations. The procedural profile of CTC is advantageous during this pandemic as maintaining social distancing and preserving healthcare supplies including PPE are of paramount importance. CTC is an important option to utilize in the screening armamentarium to allow effective screening of average risk asymptomatic individuals in the COVID-19 era.

Keywords: COVID-19; CT colonography; CTC; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal cancer screening; Pandemic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / methods*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Physical Distancing*
  • SARS-CoV-2