Benefit of intravenous muscle relaxants during barium follow through

The value of an intravenous (i.v.) smooth muscle relaxant during barium follow through (BaFT) examination has been evaluated in a prospective study of 51 patients. Spot compression films pre- and post-relaxant were compared. Relaxant-induced hypotonia improved image quality in 33 (64.8%) patients by facilitating bowel loop separation and/or graded compression. Additional diagnostic information was obtained in 14 (27.5%), and reporting confidence was improved in 19 (37.3%) patients. A marked analgesic effect occurred in seven patients with Crohn's disease, ameliorating pain that otherwise prevented full compression. Intravenous relaxants are recommended when high tone makes compression difficult, to help separate overlying loops and where pain in Crohn's disease prevents adequate compression.