[Hypotonic oesophagography using propanthelin bromide (Pro-Banthine) (author's transl)]

Hypotonic oesophagography was performed in 149 patients after the intravenous injection of propanthelin bromide (Pro-Banthine). An injection of 0.25-0.50 mug/kg body weight led to hypotonia of the oesophagus in 96% of cases. During hypotonia, it was possible to demonstrate oesophageal varices in 24 out of 27 patients, and small hiatus hernias in 10 out of 23 patients. Conventional examination demonstrated oesophageal varices in only 13 of the 27 cases and hiatus hernias in four out of the 23 cases. Hypotonic oesophagography thus leads to an improvement in the accuracy in the diagnosis of oesophageal varices and small hiatus hernias. Following injections of Pro-Banthine, transient side effects were observed consisting of tachycardia, difficulties in accomodation, reduction in salivary excretion and difficulties in micturition. Pro-Banthine is contra-indicated in the presence of glaucoma, severe cardiac and circulatory diseases and urinary obstruction.