[Indirect mesentericoportography with prostaglandin E1]

Indirect mesentericoportography was performed in 36 patients after administration of prostaglandin E1 and immediately before contrast medium injection. The results were compared with the findings in a control group of 20 patients receiving tolazoline as vasodilator. On comparing prostaglandin E1 with tolazoline no significant improvement in contrast enhancement of the superior mesenteric vein was obtained. On the other hand, prostaglandin E1 seemed to produce less side effects than tolazoline.