HEPATIC CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT AT CT - INFLUENCE OF INTRAVENOUS GLUCAGON IN A CANINE MODEL

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of glucagon on the timing and degre e of hepatic enhancement at computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Each of 11 dogs underwent injection of contrast material at two unip hasic rates (0.5 mL/sec and 1.5 mL/sec) with and without previous intr avenous administation of 0.5 mg of glucagon. Scans were obtained at a single intrahepatic level every 3.5 seconds for 120-160 seconds. Atten uation values in the liver, aorta, portal vein, and inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured. RESULTS: Glucagon administration was associated with greater hepatic enhancement throughout the study: Peak hepatic en hancement was greater at contrast injection rates of 0.5 mL/sec (P = . 021) and 1.5 mL/sec (P = .0001). Peak hepatic enhancement also occurre d earlier during the glucagon runs. Portal vein enhancement was greate r during the glucagon runs at an injection rate of 1.5 mL/sec (P = .03 2). IVC enhancement was greater during the nonglucagon runs at 0.5 mL/ sec (P = .013) and at 1.5 mL/sec (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Intravenous a dministration of glucagon before contrast material injection produces greater and more rapid hepatic enhancement in a canine model.