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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2007;297:353.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Chicago—Radiologists looking to replace chalky-tasting barium-based contrast agents used for some computed tomography (CT) imaging may need to look no further than their dairy case. It appears whole milk may be an adequate substitute.

Researchers from St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City said their preliminary findings from an ongoing study found milk achieved similar bowel distension and enhancement as a commonly used barium-based contrast agent, VoLumen. Their findings were presented at the Scientific Assembly of the Radiological Society of North America meeting, held here in November.

(Photo credit: Paul Johnson/iStockphoto.com)

CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract is a diagnostic tool for evaluating patients complaining of abdominal pain. When CT is used for visualization of the small intestinal wall, it requires a negative oral contrast agent, such as VoLumen. But the group's early findings suggest milk may be a practical substitute for VoLumen, according to . . . [Full Text of this Article]