Abdominal trauma: use of oral contrast material for CT is safe.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the potential risk of aspiration pneumonitis associated with use of oral contrast material in computed tomography (CT) performed for evaluation of abdominal trauma.


METHODS
In 510 consecutive adult patients, a dilute 2.5% solution of diatrizoate meglumine and sodium was administered orally or by means of a nasogastric tube as part of a routine protocol for CT evaluation of acute abdominal trauma. A retrospective review of medical records was performed to determine evidence of aspiration pneumonitis occurring before or after CT.


RESULTS
None of the patients had aspiration of contrast material or gastric contents attributable to the CT examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of contrast material for stomach and bowel opacification during CT for evaluation of abdominal trauma appears to be safe. Proper preparation and administration of contrast material and control of the patient's airway are essential to ensure the safety of this procedure.
Federle
M P
MP
Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.
Yagan
N
N
Peitzman
A B
AB
Krugh
J
J
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine