Ferrites as Contrast Material for Medical X-Ray Diagnosis

The use of ferromagnetic contrast materials seem to offer advantages over barium sulfate in the x-ray diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions. Most ferrites are inert inside living bodies. Magnesium ferrite, which has been found to be the most useful material tested so far, did not cause any adverse reactions. As a contrast medium it possesses the desirable characteristics of barium sulfate. Due to its magnetic properties, manipulation from the outside by a magnet allowed for easy control of the material during x-ray screening and satisfactory visualization of the stomach and the entire course of the small intestines in guinea pigs, dogs, and four human volunteers.