Evaluation of different small bowel contrast agents by multi - detector row CT

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optimal visualization of the small bowel using multi-detector row CT (MDCT) requires effective oral contrast agents.
• Different agents vary in their ability to distend the small bowel and delineate its wall structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of various oral small bowel contrast agents in achieving intestinal dilatation.
• To assess the agents' performance in exhibiting intestinal wall structure on abdominal MDCT.

Main Methods:

• 80 patients undergoing abdominal MDCT were randomly assigned to four groups.
• Each group received 1800 ml of either pure water, pure milk, dilute lactulose solution, or isotonic mannitol solution 45 minutes prior to the scan.
• Intestinal diameters were measured, and scoring was used for dilatation and structure exhibition.

Main Results:

• Dilute lactulose solution and 2.5% mannitol demonstrated superior intestinal dilatation compared to water and milk.
• These two agents also achieved the highest scores for overall small bowel distension and wall structure visualization.
• Radiologist blinded readings confirmed the effectiveness of lactulose and mannitol.

Conclusions:

• Dilute lactulose solution and 2.5% osmotic mannitol are effective agents for achieving full small bowel distension.
• These agents facilitate clear exhibition of the small bowel wall structure on abdominal MDCT examinations.