Trial reportEuropean radiology2021
Is fasting still necessary prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography? A randomized clinical study.
Trial report in European radiology, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT03533348 (Preparative Fasting for Contrast-enhanced Computed tomography-a Prospective Randomized Study), which is not on this map. Cited by 10 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Preparative Fasting for Contrast-enhanced Computed tomography-a Prospective Randomized Study
Who cites it
10 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 22 citations in OpenAlex.
- Ovarian cancer staging and follow-up: updated guidelines from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology female pelvic imaging working group.European radiology · 2025Guideline
- Effects of Fasting versus Non-Fasting on Emetic Complications in Radiological Examinations Using Intravascular Non-Ionic Iodinated Contrast Media: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Korean journal of radiology · 2023Pooled it
- Fasting before elective abdominal ultrasound: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Internal and emergency medicine · 2026Article
- Complications of Interventional Versus Surgical Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Preterm Infants-A Retrospective Analysis.Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · 2025Article
- Infundibulopelvic angle assessment: non-contrast computed tomography vs. traditional methods.Urolithiasis · 2025Article
- Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT and the incidence of acute adverse reactions: a single-center randomized clinical trial.Insights into imaging · 2024Article
- Safe and Informed Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent in Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Where We Were and Where We Are.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Review
- Change the preprocedural fasting policy for contrast-enhanced CT: results of 127,200 cases.Insights into imaging · 2022Article
- Preparative Fasting Orders for Medical/Surgical Interventions and Imaging Studies: Time to Review and Revise!Current gastroenterology reports · 2022Review
- Preprocedural fasting for contrast-enhanced CT: when experience meets evidence.Insights into imaging · 2021Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
8 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
objectivesThere is very limited evidence to support the common practice of preparative fasting prior to contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). This study examined the effect of withholding fasting orders, prior to contrast-enhanced CT, on the incidence of aspiration pneumonitis and adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
methodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled hospitalized patients referred for non-emergency, contrast-enhanced CT scan to either at least 4 h of fasting or to an unrestricted consumption of liquids and solids up to the time of CT. The primary outcome was incidence of aspiration pneumonitis and the secondary outcomes were rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and/or vomiting).
resultsAfter excluding participants with incomplete follow-up, a total of 1080 participants were assigned to the fasting group and 1011 were assigned to the non-fasting group. Aspiration pneumonitis was not identified in either group. The mean time of fasting in the fasting group was 8.4 ± 1.6 h. Rates of nausea and vomiting were not statistically different between the fasting group compared with the non-fasting group, 6.6% vs. 7.6% (p = 0.37) and 2.6% vs. 3.0% (p = 0.58), respectively. A subgroup analysis of patients who were required to drink oral contrast agent (n = 1257) showed that rates of nausea and vomiting were not statistically different between the fasting and non-fasting groups, 6.8% vs. 8.0% (p = 0.42) and 2.6% vs. 3.6% (p = 0.3), respectively.
conclusionsWithholding fasting orders prior to contrast-enhanced CT was not associated with a greater risk of aspiration pneumonitis or a significant increase in rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03533348 KEY POINTS: • Is fasting necessary prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)? • In this randomized clinical study including 2091 participants referred to non-emergency contrast-enhanced CT scan, withholding preparative fasting was not associated with a greater risk of aspiration pneumonitis or clinically significant increase in rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. • Eating and drinking prior to contrast-enhanced CT can be allowed and are not associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonitis.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.