Observations on the behavior of barium sulfate contrast media in vitro

The double contrast method in the examination of the stomach has made possible the radiologic diagnosis of the surface lesions of the mucosa, eg, erosions and early gastric cancer. Changes in the patterns of areae gastricae can be visualized with a good contrast medium. We used a new, more physiologic in vitro method to compare contrast media and study the amounts of adsorption, the degrees of visualization of areae gastricae, and the effects of antifoam solution and blood on media adsorption. EZ-HD surpassed other contrast media on the Scandinavian market in total adsorption on the mucosa and the visualization of areae gastricae. Blood significantly reduces the adsorption of all media, while antifoaming agents have little or no effect.