Bowel MR imaging with oral Gastrografin: an experimental study with healthy volunteers

Our objective was to evaluate Gastrografin for MR bowel imaging. Twenty-three healthy volunteers in two randomised groups received 300 or 400 ml 50% Gastrografin, drunk continuously during 2 and 3 h, respectively. Images were applied during breath-hold in three orthogonal orientations. The balanced fast-field echo (BFFE) and balanced turbo field-echo (BTFE) sequences, with acquisition times from 13 to 25 s, were used before gadolinium (Gd) DTPA implying 1- to 2-mm-thick slices locally or 6-mm-thick slices through the entire gastrointestinal tract. The Gd-enhanced images were performed using a 3D T1-weighted FFE sequence with water selective excitation (Proset). Image quality, including bowel distention, homogeneity of opacification and wall conspicuity, were evaluated by two experienced reviewers, and the adverse reactions were recorded. Very good or excellent distention, homogeneity and wall conspicuity were achieved in the central segments from the ileum to the left colon flexure in 83-96% of cases, due to the adequate contrast media supply in these regions. Distention, homogeneity and delineation were good in the central segments of the remaining bowels. Diarrhoea was a major problem affecting all participants, followed by nausea. Provided that there is modern fast sequential technology, excellent MR imaging of the bowel can be achieved by the oral administration 50% diluted Gastrografin. Further studies are needed to refine the technique and optimise the quantity and concentration of Gastrografin in order to avoid or reduce adverse reactions.