Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., the University of California San Francisco and Nextrast found that a new oral contrast agent improved CT imaging of bowel structures compared to conventional agents.
The pilot study tested Nextrast’s dark borosilicate-based agent in 32 patients and compared results with traditional water- and iodine-based contrast agents, according to a Jan. 21 news release. Radiologists identified clinically relevant findings in seven patients that were missed using standard agents.
The new agent, which received FDA clearance in late 2023, is designed to enhance image clarity in the stomach and small bowel. Researchers said it may aid earlier detection of cancers and inflammatory conditions.
The study team included radiologists and imaging scientists from all four organizations. They said larger trials are needed to validate the findings.
