CTC detects abnormalities in elderly

LEEDS, England, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Computed tomography colonography, or CTC, when used in elderly patients, can detect a high number of abnormalities outside the colon, a British study said.

Lead author Dr. Damian Tolan of St. James's University Hospital in Leeds said researchers targeted patients over age 70 with lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, who were referred to radiology for work up. The subjects were chosen because this group generally tolerates barium enema examinations less well than those under 70.

"Our study centered on the initial analysis of CT colonography examinations in this patient group. We only looked for significant pathology, excluding common benign incidental findings; for example gallstones or adrenal adenomas," Tolan said in a statement. "It is important to note that CT colonography is not used for colorectal cancer screening in the United Kingdom and is reserved for symptomatic patients only."

The study included 400 patients who underwent CTC during a 14-month period.

The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, found 100 significant lesions that were previously unknown in 96 patients. In addition, 49 of the patients had at least one malignancy, including 23 extracolonic malignancies and 29 colorectal malignancies.