[The marking of the gastrointestinal tract in computed tomography: experiences with a barium sulfate contrast medium (Micropaque CT)].

Micropaque CT, a new suspension of barium sulphate, has recently become available for clinical use in abdominal CT. The attenuation of the 1.5 per cent solution, measured in vitro, was 222 HU (without artifacts). In about 45 per cent of the clinical examinations artifacts occurred which, however, were not disturbing. Sufficient opacification of stomach and bowel was achieved in 65 per cent. 55 per cent of patients found the suspension pleasant to take, ten per cent complained of mild diarrhoea. Micropaque CT is particularly suitable for upper abdominal CT in outpatients.