A sweet solution to a contrast problem

Abstract

Prior to a computed tomographic (CT) examination, it is our custom to sedate most children under the age of 4 years with oral chloral hydrate syrup. In children who have been fasted, sedated thus, and not given an oral contrast agent, we have noticed opacification of both gastric and duodenal lumena (Fig. 1). It was decided to investigate this phenomenon. The scans were performed on an Elscint 2400 at 120kVP and 252 mA. The various constituents of the chloral hydrate syrup were scanned in plastic medicine cups atop a body phantom (Table I).