Oral contrast agents in CT of the abdomen

Optimal opacification of the small bowel is important in the interpretation of abdominal CT. Two contrast agents, a barium suspension and an iodinated, water-soluble material, were evaluated in a blind prospective study of 54 patients. A grading system of small bowel opacification was developed. There was no significant difference between the two agents in opacification of the small bowel.