[The value of abdominal radiographs in the diagnosis of bromurea intoxication (author's transl)].

Brom-substituted mono-urea hypnotics, which may be taken with suicidal intent, can be demonstrated radiologically. The value of routine abdominal x-rays in the recognition of intoxications has been examined at the University Clinic, Ulm, on patients admitted in 1976 and 1977. It has been shown that it is usually possible radiographically to indicate whether bromurea compounds have been taken in significant quantities, The bromurea has low solubility in the stomach and it is therefore possible to demonstrate the amount and type of substance present; this has some bearing on immediate treatment. Rapid removal of the toxic substance is so important for effective treatment that routine abdominal radiographs appear indicated for all life-threatening intoxications. Confusion with other opaque substances in practise is confined to preparations containing bismuth; although these are widely used, they have no significant toxicity.