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Rectal barium in pelvic MR imaging: initial results.
J L Panaccione1, P R Ros, G M Torres
1Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0374.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Rectal barium sulfate improves pelvic MR imaging by enhancing the visualization of the rectosigmoid colon. This safe and inexpensive contrast agent offers better anatomic definition compared to imaging without contrast.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastrointestinal Imaging
Background:
- Pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging often faces limitations due to the absence of effective bowel contrast agents.
- Accurate visualization of the rectosigmoid colon is crucial for comprehensive pelvic MR examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rectally administered barium sulfate as a contrast agent in pelvic MR imaging.
- To assess the impact of barium sulfate on the anatomic definition of the rectosigmoid colon.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 32 patients undergoing pelvic MR imaging.
- Comparison between 19 patients who received rectally administered barium sulfate and 13 patients imaged without contrast.
- Evaluation of rectosigmoid colon delineation across different pulse sequences.
Main Results:
- Patients imaged without barium sulfate demonstrated poor to fair anatomic definition of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
- Rectal administration of barium sulfate significantly improved the delineation of the rectosigmoid colon.
- Barium sulfate acted as a negative contrast agent, providing distention and marking of the bowel with low signal intensity.
Conclusions:
- Rectally administered barium sulfate is a safe, inexpensive, and effective negative contrast agent for pelvic MR imaging.
- The use of barium sulfate can enhance the visualization and anatomic definition of the rectosigmoid colon.
- Barium sulfate holds potential to improve the diagnostic quality of pelvic MR examinations.