WILL ADDITION OF GUAR IMPROVE ORAL CONTRA ST-MEDIA IN CT

Purpose: To evaluate the additional effect of guar with iotrolan as an oral contrast medium, Method: In a clinical double-blind randomised s tudy a viscous iotrolan (11.2 mg iodine/ml)/guar (4g/l)-suspension was compared with aequeous solutions of pure iotrolan (11.2 mg iodine/ml) and meglumine ioxithalamate (12 mg iodine/ml). The contrast media wer e evaluated according to filling, distribution, transit time, artifact s, radiodensity, patient acceptance and side effects. Results: The add ition of guar delayed the transit time of the contrast media. Conseque ntly a more homogeneous filling of the bower with fewer artifacts was observed in comparison to the aqueous contrast media, The results of t he pure iotrolan solution were comparable to meglumine ioxithalamate, except for a higher radiodensity in the distal small intestine. The co lon showed a better filling with non-viscous contrast media in the giv en time frame. Pure iotrolan had the best patient acceptance, Two pati ents considered the iotrolan/guar-solution impossible to drink, the ot her 18 patients found taste and consistency just about acceptable. Con clusion: In spite of the discussed advantages, due to a less subjectiv e acceptance the guar/iotrolan solution is not suitable in routine-dia gnosis, unless taste and consistency are greatly improved. Individual use is recommended in selected cases and long-term examinations.