PURPOSE: To determine if differences in the viscosity of defecographic contrast media influence radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty asymptomatic volunteers underwent defecography three times with a different contrast medium used for each examination. The contrast media varied in viscosity from a thin barium liquid to a commercial barium paste formulated for defecography and to an extremely thick, specially prepared barium contrast paste. RESULTS: Significant differences (P < .05) between media were demonstrated for measurements of the anorectal angle and anorectal junction during liquid medium voiding. Differences in pelvic floor descent and evacuation time were not significant (P > .05). Rectoceles occurred in 14 subjects and were demonstrated with all media. Low-grade intussusceptions were more prevalent with the liquid medium, but their occurrence was not statistically significantly more frequent (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Altering the viscosity of the barium contrast medium used for defecography does not substantially affect the subsequent radiographic findings.
PURPOSE: To determine if differences in the viscosity of defecographic contrast media influence radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty asymptomatic volunteers underwent defecography three times with a different contrast medium used for each examination. The contrast media varied in viscosity from a thin barium liquid to a commercial barium paste formulated for defecography and to an extremely thick, specially prepared barium contrast paste. RESULTS: Significant differences (P < .05) between media were demonstrated for measurements of the anorectal angle and anorectal junction during liquid medium voiding. Differences in pelvic floor descent and evacuation time were not significant (P > .05). Rectoceles occurred in 14 subjects and were demonstrated with all media. Low-grade intussusceptions were more prevalent with the liquid medium, but their occurrence was not statistically significantly more frequent (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Altering the viscosity of the barium contrast medium used for defecography does not substantially affect the subsequent radiographic findings.
Authors: Andreas G Schreyer; Christian Paetzel; Alois Fürst; Lena M Dendl; Elisabeth Hutzel; René Müller-Wille; Philipp Wiggermann; Stephan Schleder; Christian Stroszczynski; Patrick Hoffstetter Journal: World J Gastroenterol Date: 2012-12-14 Impact factor: 5.742