CT Colonography Offers One-Stop Screening for Cancer and Os...(e to the DEXA results Dr. Aslam said. ...),Health

Most physicians recommend that adults undergo CT colonography or conventional colonoscopy every seven to 10 years beginning at age 50.

"CT colonography isn't a replacement for DEXA testing, but it could be a way to screen more people for osteoporosis," Dr. Aslam said. "When an individual undergoes CT colonography, we can also obtain a bone density measurement with no additional radiation and at minimal cost."

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 10 million Americans over age 50 have osteoporosis. Approximately 34 million Americans are at risk due to low bone mass. Detecting osteoporosis early provides for early intervention and treatment.

Co-authors are Judy Yee, M.D., Alexander Keedy, B.S., Timothy Joseph, M.D., and Alex Chau, B.S.

AT A GLANCE

• CT colonography may be used to screen for both colorectal cancer and osteoporosis.
• Bone mineral density measurements obtained with CT colonography were in agreement with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scores.
• Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million are at risk for the disease.

Note: Copies of RSNA 2008 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press08beginning Monday, Dec. 1.

RSNA is an association of more than 42,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)

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