Interpretation.
After scanning the patient the images are transmitted to a dedicated workstation.
This workstation is provided with dedicated software allowing to perform a virtual “fly through” of the colon, quick comparison between both two- and three-dimensional and supine and prone images.
There are mainly two different ways top examine the data sets:
Advantages
* direct display of the source attenuation data: this is helpful in the interpretation of the nature of the lesions e.g. tagged or not? air inclusion or not ? lipomatous or not?
* direct location of the lesion in the colon and direct comparison between prone and supine data sets is easy e.g. easy to define shift between prone and supine, which could indicate residual stool
* last but not least: time efficient
Disadvantages
* there is the fear of at least somewhat decreased sensitivity compared to 3D endoscopic fly through. Although this hypothesis has not been validates in large studies, the good results of the Pickhardt study (NEJM 2003), using primary 3D read suggests this possibility.
* reader fatigue can be greater with 2D compared to 3D
Advantages
* increased sensitvity compared to 2D
* reduced reader fatigue
Disadvantages
* partially missed areas, especially around the inner surface
* increased reading time
