NEW BARIUM PASTE MIXTURE FOR HELICAL (SLIP-RING) CT EVALUATION OF THEESOPHAGUS

Successful opacification of the lumen of the esophagus with cancer or paraesophageal diseases has not yet been fully achieved. Therefore, we have recently adopted a new method for complete and continuous opacif ication of the whole thoracic esophagus using our newly developed oral contrast agent with a helical (slip-ring) CT scanner. The agent consi sts of 3.6 (wt/vol) % carboxy-methyl cellulose sodium paste containing 2 (wt/vol)% barium sulfate, The results indicate that almost complete and continuous opacification of esophageal lumen was achieved. Our ne w method of esophageal CT is easy to perform and was well tolerated by patients, being therefore ideal for routine examinations.