Barium swallow examination Flashcards
What are Barium studies used for in the GIT?
Radiological examinations using Barium suspension to demonstrate the digestive system.
What are the four types of Barium studies for the GIT?
Barium swallow.
Barium meal.
Barium follow-through.
Barium enema
What types of contrast media are used in Barium studies?
Positive contrast media, negative contrast media, and some pharmacological agents.
What positive contrast media are used in Barium studies?
Barium Swallow: Baritop G 150% w/v (100 mls).
Barium meal: E-Z HD 250% w/v (135 – 200 mls).
Barium follow-through: Baritop G 100% w/v (300 mls).
Barium enema: Polibar 125% w/v (500 mls).
What is used as a negative contrast media in Barium studies?
Air, introduced physically or in the form of gas-producing tablets or granules such as carbex granules.
What pharmacological agents are used in Barium studies?
- Buscopan or Glucagon (reduces bowel peristalsis).
- Metoclopramide (Maxolon) (increases gastric peristalsis).
What is a Barium swallow used for?
To assess the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the upper GI tract from the oral cavity to the fundus of the stomach.
How is a Barium swallow procedure performed?
The radiographer asks the patient to swallow Barium Sulphate while taking X-rays (conventional radiography or fluoroscopy).
What are the indications for a Barium swallow?
Dysphagia and obstruction.
Pain during swallowing.
Assessment of mediastinal masses.
Assessment of left atrial enlargement.
Oesophageal varices.
Zenker’s diverticulum and cricoid webs (water-soluble contrast media like Gastrograffin or Dionosil aqueous are used)
What are contraindications for upper GI examinations using barium sulphate?
History of perforation, laceration, or rupture of the viscus
What should be used if perforation is suspected instead of barium sulphate?
An oral, water-soluble, iodinated contrast medium such as Gastrografin or Gastromiro (Iopalmidol 61% w/v).
What is the ideal equipment for a Barium swallow and why?
Fluoroscopy, because it enables observation of the barium flow through the pharynx, oesophagus, and gastroesophageal junction as the patient swallows.
What equipment can be used if fluoroscopy is not available?
Conventional x-ray equipment
What are the types of Barium swallow examinations?
- Single contrast examination using positive contrast media
- Double contrast examination using both positive and negative contrast media.
When is a preliminary control film advised?
Prior to a water-soluble study if perforation is suspected.
