September 5, 2007 - Viatronix Inc., a developer of 3D imaging software and Vertec Scientific Ltd., its U.K. based distributor, jointly announced the publication of the results of a study utilizing Viatronix V3D Colon, performed at the Departments of Gastroenterology and Radiology, Hampstead Campus, Royal Free and University College Medical School in London, UK.
The results have been published in the September 2007 issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, titled “Virtual versus Optical Colonoscopy in Symptomatic Gastroenterology Outpatients – the Case for Virtual Imaging Followed by Targeted Diagnostic or Therapeutic Colonoscopy.”
One hundred gastroenterology outpatients aged 50 and older underwent same day VC and OC. The endoscopists performing the OCs were unaware of the radiologist's report until the withdrawal phase of the endoscopy when segmental unblinding occurred. The VC and OC findings were compared using the unblinded OC as the reference standard. Extracolonic CT findings were also recorded.
Results:
Pancolonic endoluminal VC was achieved in 99 patients. OC caecal intubation was possible in 91 patients. Direct comparison was possible in 90 patients. Both techniques revealed two rectal and one hepatic flexure cancer. VC revealed 11 polyps ≥6 millimeters in diameter in 9 patients. First look OC revealed 10 polyps ≥6 millimeters in diameter in 9 patients with a further 15-millimeter polyp discovered after segmental unblinding. The abdominal CT scans revealed 175 extracolonic findings in 72 patients.
In symptomatic patients, 3D VC is equivalent to OC for diagnosing colon cancer and clinically significant polyps. In symptomatic patients, a case can be made for 3D VC as a primary imaging modality followed if necessary by same day targeted therapeutic or diagnostic OC.
For more information: www.viatronix.com