[Role and possibilities of compensation filters in lateral decubitus radiographs in opaque enemas].

A wedge-shaped plexiglass compensation filter for use in lateral decubitus radiographs of double contrast barium enema examinations has been designed. This filter, which has been used since February 1985, was compared with a second plexiglass filter, made by E-Z-EM. Voltage and amperage were kept contrast. Two different experiments were conducted in order to demonstrate the benefits of routine use of this compensation filter. First, the changes in skin dose were assessed using an ionization chamber on a phantom. Secondly, three radiologists examined a series of 80 consecutive barium enemas without knowing which had been performed using the new filter. Out of the 70 examinations they considered excellent, as many as 45 had been performed with the new filter. Personal experience and the studies described show that the use of a compensation filter improves the accuracy and thus the diagnostic quality of the examinations as it enhances the detail of the anatomic structure of the colon; moreover the filter reduces skin exposure by up to 73.1% (EZ-E-EM filter 47.3%) and, at the same time, less radiographic films are needed. Routine use of a plexiglass compensation filter in lateral decubitus radiographs while performing a double contrast barium enema examination, is strongly recommended especially in obese patients.