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Small intestine contrast ultrasonography.
N Pallotta1, F Baccini, E Corazziari
1Cattedra di Gastroenterologia I, Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Small intestine contrast ultrasonography effectively visualizes the entire small bowel. Ingesting 600 ml or less of polyethylene glycol solution achieves visualization in about 45 minutes with no adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasonography
Background:
- Small intestine contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) uses polyethylene glycol electrolyte balanced solution for visualizing the small bowel.
- Optimal volume of contrast solution for SICUS is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of different volumes of sonographic contrast solution on small bowel distention and visualization time.
- To determine the minimal amount of contrast solution needed for complete small bowel visualization.
Main Methods:
- Abdominal ultrasonography was performed twice on six healthy subjects after ingesting polyethylene glycol solution.
- Subjects ingested varying amounts of solution, with one session limited to 260 ml.
Main Results:
- The entire small bowel was visualized approximately 40 minutes after ingesting 239 ml of solution in the second study (P < 0.01 vs. first study).
- No significant differences in luminal diameter or wall thickness were observed between study arms.
- Loose stools were the only side effect, occurring after ingesting >600 ml.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography provides reproducible small bowel morphology information across a wide range of contrast volumes (175-820 ml).
- Approximately 600 ml of contrast solution is sufficient for visualizing the entire small intestine within 45 minutes without side effects.