Correlation of Abnormal CT Findings of Lower GI Tract with Subsequent Colonoscopy

Abstract

Purpose: To ascertain the significance of abnormal findings on CT scan related to lower GI tract with a subsequent optical colonoscopy in an outpatient setting. Methods: All patients that underwent an optical colonoscopy for evaluation of abnormal CT findings at an outpatient endoscopy center were reviewed. Findings on colonoscopy and biopsies were compared with the original findings on CT scan that necessitated the subsequent colonoscopy. Results: A total of 102 patients over a 10-year period (2003 to 2013) were reviewed. Age of patients ranged from 21-90 years. Fifty seven (56%) were females, 45 (44%) were males. All abnormal colonoscopic findings were biopsied and verified with pathology. CT had revealed colon wall thickening in 47 (46%), diverticulosis in 17 (16%), diverticulosis and colon wall thickening in 10 (10%). Twenty eight (28%) had other findings, including colon mass. Conclusion: Two-thirds of patients that had a demonstrable abnormality of lower GI tract on CT scan had significant relevant colonoscopy findings. A majority of lower GI findings on CT scans can be attributed to diverticulosis, colitis, and polyps. In six out of seven cases, a colonic mass was subsequently confirmed to be adenocarcinoma on colonoscopy. Therefore, all abnormal CTs warrant further investigation with colonoscopy.Table: Table. CT findings and Colonoscopy resultsTable: Table. Colonoscopic findings of “other findings” on CT scan