Marco Rengo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Davide Bellini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Ciolina, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Franco Iafrate MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fabrizio Vecchietti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marco Maceroni MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Damiano Caruso MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Nicola De Cecco MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrea Laghi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Speaker, Bracco Group Research Consultant, General Electric Company

To compare two different bowel preparation in terms of patient acceptance and image quality.

Seventy five consecutive patients were prospectively randomised in two groups. Both groups followed a low residue diet for two days before the examination. Both preparations were based on fluid tagging, using a iodinate contrast medium (gastromiro). Group 1 received 180 ml of fluid tagging agent the day before the study. Group 2 received 60 ml of fluid tagging agent the day of the exam and 500 ml of a laxative agent (Lovol-esse) the day before the study. Patient acceptance was evaluated using a visual assessment scale. Quality of bowel preparation was evaluated using quantitative (tagged fluid density and number of untagged residue per segment) and qualitative (homogeneity per segment on a 4 point scale) scores.

Bowel preparation was complete in all patients. No statistical significant differences for tagged fluid density, number of residue and tagging homogeneity between the two groups were founded. A significant higher patient acceptance was founded in group 2 (P=0.02).

The preparation based on the combination of a laxative and a fluid tagging agents was better accepted. Adding a laxative agent to a fluid tagging preparation did not improved image quality but was associated with an higher patient acceptance. Moreover the if a laxative agent is added to a fluid tagging bowel preparation the amount of iodine can be reduced.

The association of a laxative agent to a iodinate contrast medium can reduce the amount of iodine to be administered improving patient acceptance.

Rengo, M, Bellini, D, Ciolina, M, Iafrate, F, Vecchietti, F, Maceroni, M, Caruso, D, De Cecco, C, Laghi, A, CT Colonography Bowel Preparation: Influence of a Laxative Agent on a Fluid Tagging Preparation.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12037739.html