Impact of Oral Contrast Ingestion Duration on Distal Colon and Rectum Opacification in Abdominal Computed Tomography

Objectives: Oncologic imaging, suspected intestinal leaks, fistulas, abscesses and collections, abdominal pain, and computed tomography colonography are the indications for the use of oral contrast media. The distal colon and rectum opacification is not always achieved with the standard technique in routine studies. Our aim is to compare the effect of 1.5-hour vs. 4-6-hour contrast media ingestion durations on distal colon and rectum opacification in abdominal computed tomography.Methods: Adult patients in the year of 2023 were retrospectively grouped: those with a 4-6 hour contrast media ingestion duration (study group) and age- and sex-matched patients with a 1.5 hour contrast media ingestion duration (control group). After exclusions, there were 200 patients in total. Groups were evaluated for the association between contrast media ingestion durations and the most distal bowel segment opacified.Results: Results showed a significant association between contrast material ingestion duration and the most distal opacified bowel segment (p