Abstract

Severe reactions, including several deaths, resulting from the use of Orabilix (Bengue) call for consideration of the relative effectiveness and safety of the various contrast media used in gallbladder and biliary duct radiography. These media are iodine compounds which are absorbed from the small intestine, extracted from the portal blood by the liver, secreted into the bile and then concentrated in the gallbladder; they are also excreted in the urine. If the liver is functioning well, failure of the contrast medium to show up the gallbladder generally indicates either obstruction of the cystic duct or a poorly functioning gallbladder which cannot concentrate the medium.