The hypotonic effect of intranasal and intravenous glucagon in gastrointestinal radiology

In the present study, following a double-blind, double placebo protocol vs. placebo, we compared the hypotonic effect of intranasal and intravenous glucagon during a double-contrast barium meal examination of the stomach. We found a statistically significant difference between placebo and intranasal or intravenous glucagon in inducing gastric hypomotility, with no significant differences between IN and IV glucagon. The intranasal administration of glucagon has the advantage of being noninvasive and well tolerated by the patients, and might be a valuable aid in upper gastrointestinal examination as well as in CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen.