Objective:
The aim of our study is to evaluate the frequency and the types of extracolonic findings (ECF) in Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC) performed for screening purposes in an asymptomatic population.
Methods:
CTC examinations performed for Colo-Rectal Carcinoma (CRC) screening between April 2013 and April 2014 were included in the study. We classified ECF according to CTC reporting and data system (C-RADS). Two radiologists examined images. Patients’ demographic data were documented. The presence and the types of ECF were determined in consensus.
Results:
We evaluated 227 CTC retrospectively. There were 121 women (mean age 58.9±7.1) and 106 men (mean age 60.7±7.7). In 145 patients, ECF were detected and in 82 patients no ECF were found. The mean age was significantly higher in patients with ECF (p<0.01). The mean ages for clinically significant and insignificant groups were 61.7±8.7 and 57.5±6.8 years, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). There were no statistically significant difference between men and women in terms of ECF (p=0.397).
Conclusion:
Although ECF are encountered frequently and even more often with increasing age, only limited fraction of them have clinically significant outcomes.
Keywords: Computed tomography colonography, extracolonic findings, screening, asymptomatic patients