Comparison of 2 different protocols for ingestion of low-attenuating oral contrast agent for multidetector computed tomography of the abdomen.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 2 different oral contrast application protocols concerning degree of intestinal contrast filling and distension in multidetector computed tomography.

METHODS

Examinations of 260 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1 (n = 205) was prepared with 1000 mL of water with 28 g of dissolved mannitol which was ingested for 1 hour; group 2 (n = 55) was prepared with 2000 mL of water containing 56 g of mannitol which was ingested for 2 hours. Small intestine was divided into 4 quadrants; colon was divided into 4 segments. Contrast filling and distension of bowel loops were graded with a 3-point scale and compared using chi2 testing.

RESULTS

Besides the right upper quadrant, no significant differences in contrast filling and distention were found for small bowel segments. Colonic segments were significantly better contrast filled and distended in group 2 (0.001 < P < 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher amount of water with 28 g/L of mannitol and a prolonged ingestion of oral contrast media result in significantly better contrast filling and bowel distension in the ileocecal region, the colon, and the rectum.