E-Z-CAT. An oral contrast medium for use in computed tomography of the abdomen

A new barium sulphate suspension, E-Z-CAT, for use as an oral contrast medium at computed tomography of the abdomen has been compared with the commonly used water-soluble iodinated contrast medium Gastrografin as regards patient tolerance and diagnostic information. The investigation was conducted as an unpaired randomized single-blind study in 100 consecutive patients. E-Z-CAT seems to be preferred because of its better taste, its lesser tendency to cause diarrhoea, and for usage in patients who are known to be hypersensitive to iodinated contrast media. The diagnostic information was the same for both contrast media.     

Computed tomography of the pancreas: negative contrast medium

The usefulness of polyunsaturated fat, an oral negative contrast material, in outlining the stomach and duodenum in computed tomography is described. Some advantages and limitations of the contrast material are discussed.     

The use of dilute Calogen as a fat density oral contrast medium in upper abdominal computed tomography, compared with the use of water and positive oral contrast media

AIM: Oral contrast media are commonly given prior to computed tomography (CT) examination of the upper abdomen. Although positive oral contrast media are normally used, there is increasing interest in using negative agents such as water and less commonly fat density products. The aim of this study was to compare a positive oral contrast medium, water, and a diluted emulsion of arachis oil Calogen, a fat density food supplement) for assessment of the upper abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients referred for upper abdominal CT were randomized to receive either 500 ml water, 2% sodium diatrizoate or a dilute suspension of Calogen. The CT images were scored independently by three radiologists. Distension and anatomical identification was assessed for the stomach, duodenum and jejunum; with anatomical identification recorded for the pancreas, retroperitoneum, liver, gallbladder and spleen. RESULTS: Dilute Calogen produced a significant improvement (P < 0.01) in distension and anatomical visualization of the stomach and proximal duodenum. Only minimal differences were demonstrated between the three contrast media for visualization of more distal small bowel or identification of the other upper abdominal viscera. Significantly more artifacts were caused by positive contrast media than with the Calogen mixture. CONCLUSION: A dilute suspension of Calogen as an oral contrast medium is recommended when disease is suspected within the stomach or proximal duodenum.     

Computed tomography of complicated psoas abscess with intraabscess contrast medium injection

Computed tomography in a case of tuberculous psoas abscess is described. Additional information useful in planning surgical drainage was obtained by intraabscess contrast medium injection through a draining sinus.     

Computed tomography with intraperitoneal contrast medium for localization of peritoneal dialysis leaks

Dialysate leakage into subcutaneous tissues occurs not uncommonly in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. When the leakage site cannot be localized clinically, CT with intraperitoneal contrast medium administration may localize the site. We report our experience with three cases in which this technique did localize the leakage site and thereby determined the type of surgical correction.     

Computed tomography with iodine-free contrast media

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the enhancement of different concentrations of gadolinium (Gd), ytterbium (Yb) and iodine in vitro and in vivo. Comparisons were made of the enhancement (HU) of Gd, Yb and iodine in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 30 mg/ml. In vivo dynamic CT studies were performed in ten dogs with 0.5 M Gd, Yb and iodine. Time-density curves were achieved in aorta and liver. The in vitro studies confirmed a decrease in the enhancement in this order: Gd (120 kV) > Gd (137 kV) > Yb (120 kV) > Yb (137 kV) > iodine (120 kV) > iodine (137 kV). The specific enhancement of Gd was 40.8 (120 kV), of Yb 34.2 and of iodine 29.6 HU. The enhancement of the liver decreases from 21 HU (Gd) to 19 HU (Yb) and 12 HU (iodine). Gd and Yb achieved a higher aortal enhancement than iodine (190 vs 157 HU) All contrast media were well tolerated. Equimolar concentrations of Gd and Yb show a higher in vitro contrast and enhancement than iodine. Received: 17 May 1996; Revision received: 12 September 1996; Accepted: 18 October 1996     

双源CT肺动脉成像的低对比剂量优化研究

目的：探讨双源 CT 大螺距肺动脉成像在低对比剂量优化时的可行性。方法对80例疑似肺栓塞的患者行 CT 肺动脉造影(CTPA)检查。按照随机数表法分为 A、B 2组：A 组,常规组40例,对比剂50 mL,自动跟踪触发扫描;B 组,小剂量测试组40例,对比剂量=体质量×0.3 mL/kg。测量2组肺动脉 CT 值、动静脉 CT 差值、对比噪声比(CNR)、信噪比(SNR)、辐射剂量,进行两独立样本 t 检验。评价图像质量、肺栓塞诊断阳性率,进行卡方检验。结果2组肺栓塞诊断阳性率差异无统计学意义(P =0.655)。主观质量评分差异无统计学意义(P =0.174)。B 组与 A 组的肺动脉干 CT 值与左肺 SⅢ动静脉差值差异有统计学意义(P =0.001)。B 组与 A 组的肺动脉干 SNR、CNR 差异无统计学意义(P =0.250、0.203)。B 组有效辐射剂量明显低于 A 组,差异有统计学意义(P =0.001)。结论双源 CT 大螺距肺动脉成像低对比剂量优化时,在满足临床诊断肺栓塞的需要下,较大程度地减少了对比剂的用量。     

Computed tomography of the parotid gland during contrast sialography.

By performing CT scanning during contrast sialography, tumors within the parotid gland can be shown and their configuration in relation to the remaining normal salivary gland and surrounding structures can be appreciated. This permits better evaluation of the relationship of the tumor to the facial nerve, possible extension of tumor beyond the gland, and benign versus malignant growth characteristics     

Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen; a preliminary report.

The utility of computed tomography (CT) in the study of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human body has been the subject of considerable interest since the introduction of CT scanning. The advent of a new prototype scanning device has made it possible to examine a variety of abnormalities in the abdomen and thorax in a manner not previously possible. This development permits a remarkable insight into the study of human disease in vivo.     

The use of iohexol as oral contrast for computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis

Positive oral contrast agents (high-osmolar iodinated solutions [high-osmolar contrast medium] or barium sulfate suspensions) are used routinely for abdominal computed tomography. However, these agents are not ideal. Patients complain about the taste and, sometimes, refuse to drink the required quantity. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequent. In certain clinical indications, either barium suspensions or high-osmolar contrast mediums may be contraindicated. This technical note describes the potential advantages of using low-osmolar iodinated solutions as an oral contrast agent for computed tomography.     

Computed tomography of peripancreatic fat planes

Obliteration of peripancreatic fat planes usually is considered an indicator of peripancreatic tumour infiltration in the presence of a malignant mass, or of inflammation of peripancreatic tissues in patients with pancreatitis. However, absence of peripancreatic fat planes also may be found in patients without evidence of pancreatic disease. Hence, CT scans of 125 patients without clinical or computed tomographic evidence of pancreatic disease were evaluated to assess normal variations in the anatomy of the pancreas and its relation to surrounding vessels and bowel loops. The fat plane separating the superior mesenteric artery from the pancreas was preserved in 100% of patients. Conversely, fat planes between the pancreas and the superior mesenteric vein, inferior vena cava, and adjacent bowel loops were partially or totally obliterated in 13% to 50% of patients. It is concluded that the absence of fat around the superior mesenteric artery is highly suggestive of pathologic changes of the pancreas, while the lack of fat planes between the pancreas and other splanchnic vessels or bowel loops frequently is normal, and therefore, is an unreliable sign of pancreatic disease. The applications of these findings to the assessment of tumour resectability by CT, and to CT scanning techniques, are discussed.     

Imaging of the bowel wall. Computed tomography and fat density oral-contrast agent in an animal model

In this study, we reassessed the problems encountered in computed tomographic (CT) examinations performed with conventional bowel preparations, and developed a fat density oral contrast in dogs. Conventional high-density agents, water, fat (negative) density, and air were administered using a nasogastric tube to eight dogs (25 separate CT scans). Optimal and consistent identification of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and mural visualization were achieved with 400 ml of 12.5% to 50% corn oil emulsions administered in four hourly divided doses. Mild diarrhea was observed with the 50% concentration only, but no untoward effect was noted clinically with 25% and 12.5% emulsions. Mixing the negative (fat) density oral contrast with the GI contents produced conditions optimal for high-CT contrast resolution of the GI wall. Standard intravenous administration of iodinated contrast agent enhanced mural visualization and, in conjunction with dynamic scanning, time density curves. This suggests that vascular perfusion could be portrayed. This animal model may be used for the experimental evaluation of a number of GI abnormalities, including ischemic, neoplastic, and inflammatory conditions.     

Computed tomography of the stomach with water as an oral contrast agent: technique and preliminary results

Computed tomography of the gastric wall after ingestion of 500-700 ml of pure tap water, followed by rapid intravenous injection of contrast medium, was performed on 24 patients with known gastric tumors. Computed tomography detected the wall abnormality in 22 of 24 cases (91%). Local gastric involvement was correctly predicted in 20 of these patients. Tumoral ulceration was only diagnosed in two of 13 proven ulcerated tumors. General acceptance and tolerance of tap water as a gastric contrast medium was good in all patients. No side effects occurred.     

Computed tomography of angioedema of small bowel due to reaction to radiographic contrast medium

Although urticaria and facial and peripheral edema are well recognized idiosyncratic reactions to ionic contrast medium, to our knowledge, isolated angioedema of the small bowel has not been reported previously. We present a case of acute onset of small bowel edema and ascites during the infusion of iodiated contrast medium.