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Sonographic image degradation after barium enema
D L Friedman1, T B Hunter, E A Elam
1Department of Radiology, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Investigative Radiology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Barium enema (BE) examinations negatively impact abdominal ultrasound quality, particularly for the gallbladder, porta hepatis, and aorta. For optimal imaging, perform abdominal sonography before a barium enema.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated barium does not interfere with abdominal sonography after upper GI exams.
- Barium contrast agents are commonly used in gastrointestinal imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of barium enema (BE) on the quality of subsequent abdominal ultrasonography.
- To determine if the order of imaging impacts diagnostic quality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 40 patients undergoing barium enemas (air contrast or solid column).
- Abdominal sonography was performed before and after BE.
- Radiologists blindly assessed image quality in six anatomic areas.
Main Results:
- Significant degradation in ultrasound image quality was observed for the gallbladder, porta hepatis, and aorta after BE.
- No statistically significant degradation was noted for the liver lobes or pancreas.
Conclusions:
- Barium enema examinations negatively affect the quality of subsequent abdominal ultrasonography.
- Abdominal sonography should precede barium enema when both procedures are necessary.