Defecography in healthy subjects: comparison of three contrast media.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if differences in the viscosity of defecographic contrast media influence radiographic findings.


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).


CONCLUSIONS
Altering the viscosity of the barium contrast medium used for defecography does not substantially affect the subsequent radiographic findings.
Ikenberry
S
S
Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
Lappas
J C
JC
Hana
M P
MP
Rex
D K
DK
D000328:Adult; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D003672:Defecation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014743:Videotape Recording; D014783:Viscosity
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate