Retrograde ileography: value of glucagon.

Many gastrointestinal diseases have a predilection for the terminal ileum. Retrograde ileography is a valuable technique for evaluating this region. However, this procedure necessitates reflux of barium (with or without air) into the terminal ileum. This does not often spontaneously occur during a barium enema study. The use of glucagon in double-contrast studies of the colon has been recommended for various reasons, one of which is to facilitate reflux of barium into the terminal ileum. This randomized, double-blind trial confirms that glucagon does promote reflux. Multiple regression analysis indicates that the independent variables of patient age, weight, and sex have little effect on the frequency of reflux. It is concluded that glucagon can facilitate examination of the distal small bowel during a double-contrast colon examination.