Polysorbate 80 and Low-Osmolality Water-Soluble Contrast Medium Enema in Diagnosis and Treatment of Faecal Obstruction in Malignant Phaeochromocytoma

Abstract

Stercoral obstruction in a young woman with disseminated phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed and treated successfully using an enema of isosmolar iohexol (Omnipaque) and 1% polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) without complication. Surgical intervention was thus avoided. A low osmolality water-soluble contrast medium (iohexol 150 mg I/ml) with a wetting agent (1% Tween 80) was used because a barium suspension would have inspissated, exacerbating the constipation and a hyperosmolar contrast medium might have precipitated a hypertensive crisis and destablised her critical salt and water balance.

References