[Acetyl-cysteine in colonic mucography (author's transl)]

Acetyl-cysteine, its origin, nature, the constitution of its molecule and its main properties are reviewed. This study involved essentially the best means of using the mucolytic properties of this amino acid. Acetyl-cysteine has an excellent detergent effect on the mucosa, with good evacuation, and favourises the adhesion of barium, all the better when the particles of the latter are finer. It is thus possible to obtain good thin layer and double contrast pictures. Prior preparation remains of the utmost importance.