RADR 2401 Exam 2 Contrasts and kVps

Barium Sulfate

Radiopaque, colloidal (doesn't fully dissolve in water).

Contraindications: upcoming surgery, potential perforations, pregnancy

Water-soluble contrast

Iodinated. Used if barium is contraindicated (presurgery, perforations, pregnancy). Works by pulling out water so can be dehydrating.

Contraindications: iodine allergy/sensitivity (shellfish allergy can also cause reaction to iodine).

Types of water-soluble contrast

Ionic - positively charged cation (ions/salt), higher osmality (concentration), higher chance of reactions. Names: Hypaque, Conray, Renografin

Non-ionic - no positively-charged cations, lower osmality, lower chance of reactions. Names: Omnipaque, Isovue, Amipaque, Optiray

Both are iodine

Double contrast studies

Use both barium (positive) and air (negative). Will show rugae in UGI and air-fluid levels in BE.

Contrast distribution in stomach

When supine (AP) - barium in fundus and pylorus, air in body

When prone (PA) - air in fundus, barium in body and pylorus

When erect - air in fundus, barium in body and pylorus

RAO - barium in body and pylorus

LPO - barium in fundus

Methylcellulose

Negative contrast that is used in enteroclysis (double-contrast SBS), can be used in place of air.

Contrast distribution in large intestine

Supine - barium in ascending and descending colon

Prone - barium in transverse and sigmoid colon

Right lateral decub - barium in right colic (hepatic) flexure and ascending colon, air in descending colon

Left lateral decub - barium in left colic (splenic) flexure and descending colon, air in ascending colon

Sternum kVp

70-80

SC joints kVp

70-80

Ribs kVp

70-80

Esophagram kVp

110-125 Kvp

Water Soluble- 80-90 Kvp

UGI kVp

110-125 Kvp

Double Contrast- 90-100 Kvp

Water Soluble- 80-90 Kvp

Small bowel kVp

110-125 Kvp

BE kVp

110-125 Kvp

Double Contrast- 90-100 Kvp

Water Soluble- 80-90 Kvp

Urinary kVp

80-90 Kvp