RESULTS OF PREPARED DILUTE BARIUM SULPHATE FORMULA SUSPENSION USED IN CONVENTIONAL CT OF ABDOMEN

Abstract

PURPOSE:
To produce well or acceptable barium sulphate formula suspension for CT of abdomen and pelvis using barium sulphate for conventional GI radiology.

MATERIALS and METHODS:
the patients undergone CT of the abdomen and the pelvis in Pranangklao Hospital during September 1, 2005 to April 12, 2006 were randomized to receive three types of contrast media: two dilute barium sulphate suspensions (one was hospital made, P.K contrast) and one water soluble iodine contrast media, and were studied by conventional CT to observe the data of the quality of bowel opacification, contrast related artifact, contrast palatability, early side effect and cost, by 3 radiologists independently and 1 CT technician. The data were tabulated and analysed using chi-square test, exact test, and percentage.

RESULT:
134 patients, for the acceptability of the patients, there were no statistic significant differences between the three contrast media in the drinking and vomiting but showed significant differences in the tastes, swallowing difficulty and nauseatic effects, whereas water soluble iodine contrast media was a little better. There were no statistic significances in the bowel opacification except at the stomach. Also there were no differences in the disturb artifacts. The P.K contrast was the cheapest, 4-10 times lower, than the other two contrasts used in this study.

CONCLUSION:
Barium sulphate for conventional GI radiology with proper suspension agent and formula can be used well in bowel opacification for CT of abdomen and pelvis and is the accepted agent for patients because of its safety and low cost.