Barium Swallow PDF

Barium swallow By Dr. Roaa Mohamed Atef Shehata Lecturer of diagnostic radiology South Egypt cancer institute Barium swallow It is a medical imaging procedure used to examine upper gastrointestinal tract, which include the esophagus and to a lesser extent the s...

Barium swallow By Dr. Roaa Mohamed Atef Shehata Lecturer of diagnostic radiology South Egypt cancer institute Barium swallow It is a medical imaging procedure used to examine upper gastrointestinal tract, which include the esophagus and to a lesser extent the stomach. -The contrast used is barium sulfate Anatomy -The cervical esophagus extends from the cricoid cartilage to the supa sternal notch. It is about 4-5 cm. -The thoracic esophagus extends from the suprasternal notch (T1 level ) to the diaphragmatic hiatus (T11 level). It is about 18 cm. -Abdominal part extends from the diaphragmatic hiatus to the cardiac orifice of the stomach. It is about 1 cm. Patient preparation -Usually no need for perpetrations unless the patient will continue other part of GIT studies -Patient is told to take NPO (nothing per oral) before the procedure. - Remove any jewelry -Ensure that there is no contra indication for the pharmacological agent used. -Check for pregnancy state. -Procedure should be explained to the patient before starting the examination. Barium Swallow - Technique A series of plain films or uses fluoroscopy to identify any pathology Patient is placed in the erect position Ample mouthful of barium is swallowed & spot films are taken (rapid sequence) Spot films of the upper & lower oesophagus are taken May need rapid serial radiography sequence Routine Views: Antero-posterior & postero-anterior AP/PA. Right Lateral Right anterior oblique & left anterior oblique (RAO/LAO). -IR size: 18x24 cm -Centering point: -Ap: below the thyroid cartilage -Lat: 2.5 cm below thyroid cartilage -100 to110 KV RIGHT and left ANTERIOR OBLIQUE VIEW  This oblique view of a normal barium swallow shows the normal impressions made by the : (A) aortic arch, (B) left main bronchus, (LA) left atrium on the esophagus