Optimizing bowel preparation for multidetector row CT colonography: effect of Citramag and Picolax.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the adequacy and acceptability of Picolax and Citramag bowel cleansing agents for CT colonography.


METHODS
Multidetector row CT colonography was performed in 124 subjects; 43 had been prepared with Picolax and 81 with Citramag. Datasets were assessed for retained fluid and solid residue, and overall adequacy of segmental visualization. Preparation acceptability was also assessed.


RESULTS
There was significantly less retained fluid with Picolax. The odds of being in the next higher category for retained fluid when using Picolax were 0.33 (CI: 0.22-0.50, p<0.0001) when compared with Citramag, for all segments combined. However there was significantly more retained solid residue with Picolax. The odds of being in the next higher category for retained residue when using Picolax were 2.44 (CI: 1.41-4.24, p=0.002) when compared with Citramag, for all segments combined. There was no significant difference with respect to overall segmental visualization: the odds of a segment being adequately visualized when using Picolax were 1.52 (CI: 0.88-2.65, p=0.14) when compared with Citramag. There was no significant difference with respect to acceptability.


CONCLUSIONS
Picolax results in a significantly drier colon than Citramag and associated with more retained residue. We found Picolax the more suitable preparation for CT colonography.
Taylor
S A
SA
Department of Intestinal Imaging, St Mark's Hospital, Northwick Park, London, UK.
Halligan
S
S
Goh
V
V
Morley
S
S
Atkin
W
W
Bartram
C I
CI
D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002951:Citrates; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008274:Magnesium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010847:Picolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D002400:Cathartics; D002951:Citrates; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010847:Picolines; C005479:magnesium carbonate; D019343:Citric Acid; D008274:Magnesium; C005701:picosulfate sodium