CT Colonography for Radiographers: A Guide to Performance and Image Interpretation

This second edition, comprising 28 chapters, explains every aspect of the role of radiographers in performing CT colonography (CTC) and interpreting CTC images with the aim of enabling radiographers to extend the scope of their practice. It provides information required with respect to communication with the patient, procurement of informed consent, the principles of CT as well as dual-energy CT and photon counting CT, radiation dose, patient preparation and positioning, the use of contrast media, the performance of diagnostic and screening CTC studies, the interpretation and reporting of images, legal and professional requirements, and the importance of clinical audits.

A wide range of CTC findings is described and depicted, covering normal anatomy, artefacts, haemorrhoids, polyps, colon cancer, diverticular disease, lipomas, extracolonic structures, opportunistic screening for osteoporosis and metabolic associated fatty disease, and CTC in incomplete or failed colonoscopy. The role of other modalities such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine in colorectal cancer patients is discussed.  In addition, the text covers the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in imaging of the colon for the detection of polyps, diagnosis and staging of colorectal cancer.  Lastly, a chapter focusing on self-assessment of image interpretation will aid learning.

This book provides the support that radiographers need in order to perform CTC studies to the standard required in terms of advances in imaging and interpretation of images. 

Joel H Bortz is a South African trained radiologist with three radiology degrees. He served as an examiner and convenor for the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, and was an examiner at several South African universities. He is based at LSG Imaging in Los Angeles, United States of America, and has vast experience in CTC. He is the author of several peer-reviewed CTC publications, and other imaging topics.

Aarthi Ramlaul is a diagnostic radiographer and Associate Professor of Diagnostic Radiography at Buckinghamshire New University, UK. Her primary research focused on the development of critical thinking in diagnostic radiography education and its impact on autonomous clinical decision-making. She has a keen interest in the ethico-legal aspects of professional practice and the implementation of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making. Aarthi has edited and authored numerous publications, including four textbooks in medical imaging.

LeonieMunro is a retired diagnostic radiographer, formerly working at the School of Radiography, King Edward V111 Hospital, Durban, South Africa.  She has a national diploma in diagnostic radiography, a master’s degree in communication, a post-graduate diploma in public administration, and a certificate for trainers. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal publications and chapters in books, which focused on radiography and professional communication. She is the co-editor of the peer-reviewed journal The South African Radiographer.