ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 2 different oral contrast application protocols concerning degree of intestinal contrast filling and distension in multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: Examinations of 260 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1 (n = 205) was prepared with 1000 mL of water with 28 g of dissolved mannitol which was ingested for 1 hour; group 2 (n = 55) was prepared with 2000 mL of water containing 56 g of mannitol which was ingested for 2 hours. Small intestine was divided into 4 quadrants; colon was divided into 4 segments. Contrast filling and distension of bowel loops were graded with a 3-point scale and compared using chi2 testing. RESULTS: Besides the right upper quadrant, no significant differences in contrast filling and distention were found for small bowel segments. Colonic segments were significantly better contrast filled and distended in group 2 (0.001 < P < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: A higher amount of water with 28 g/L of mannitol and a prolonged ingestion of oral contrast media result in significantly better contrast filling and bowel distension in the ileocecal region, the colon, and the rectum.
