Dilute barium as a contrast agent for abdominal CT

Abstract

Reliable bowel opacification is critical for successful interpretation of abdominal CT scans. This is usually achieved with oral administration of diluted water soluble iodinated contrast (Gastrografin, Squibb, or Oral Hypaque, Winthrop & Sons) as a 3%-5% solution. We have evaluated 100 consecutive cases in which dilute barium sulfate was used to opacify the bowel, and compared them with 100 cases in which water-soluble contrast was used.