Cellulose as a gastrointestinal US contrast agent

Ultrasound (US) imaging of the abdomen often is compromised by artifacts due to adjacent bowel gas. In an attempt to decrease gas artifacts and improve US image quality, the authors evaluated the use of cellulose preparations as gastrointestinal US contrast agents. Optimal homogeneity and reflectivity were evaluated in phantom solutions, and two suitable agents were selected for clinical trial. Ten volunteers underwent abdominal US imaging before and after contrast agent administration on three separate occasions. The volunteers drank 800 mL of freshly degassed water and two different gastrointestinal US contrast agents. US images obtained before and after administration of contrast material were evaluated by five radiologists and scored .for bowel marking, visualization of abdominal anatomy, and image degradation by bowel gas. Compared with water, the orally administered US contrast agents improved visualisation of bowel and abdominal anatomy, with diminished gas artifact.