Effect of glucagon on the double contrast examination of the stomach and duodenum

We have evaluated the effect of glucagon on the quality of visualization of the gastric and duodenal mucosa in a routine tubeless double contrast examination of 418 consecutive cases. The patients received either 0.5 mg i.v., 0.25 mg i.v. or no glucagon, at radom. The use of glucagon improved the visualization of areae gastricae and produced slightly fewer gas bubbles in the stomach. Visualization of the duodenum was significantly improved. The frequency of adequate hypotonic duodenography was related to the dose of glucagon, with 0.5 mg it was achieved in 49% of cases. No side-effects ascribable to glucagon were observed. The routine use of a small i.v. dose of glucagon in double contrast studies is recommended.