Contrast Media Info

Question 1

Barium paste - Advantages

Answer 1

1. Extremely radiopaque

2. Good adherence to the esophageal mucosa

Question 2

Barium paste - Disadvantages

Answer 2

1. Tends to remain a bolus, failing to disperse well or flow around intraluminal lesions
2. Clumps whens mixed w/ liquid barium sulfate suspension
3. Aspiration may lead to asphyxiation bc the material is so vicious

Question 3

Barium sulfate - Advantages

Answer 3

1. Inexpensive
2. Inert
3. Relatively safe if aspirated
4. Mixes well with fluid contents
5. Readily flows around obstructions
6. Easily mixed with canned or dry food to study swallowing of these substances

Question 4

Barium sulfate - Disadvantages

Answer 4

1. Poorer mucosal adherence
2. Complications from aspiration depend upon the volume aspirated
3. Contraindicated w/ esophageal perforation or broncho-esophageal fistula

Question 5

Barium suspension or paste mixed w/ food - Advantages

Answer 5

1. Fully characterize the volume of a distended esophagus
2. Identify problems in swallowing solids, compared to liquids alone
3. May be the best choice for identifying strictures or regional motility disorders

Question 6

Ionic organic Iodine solutions

Answer 6

1. Should be avoided bc of risk of pulmonary edema if aspirated!
2. Hypertonic: can lead to hypovolemia, fluid shifts into GI tract
3. Not very radio-opaque

Question 7

Non-ionic organic Iodine solutions

Answer 7

1. Safer than ionic form
2. Still not very opaque
3. Similar in price to ionic
4. Best to use if following esophageal w/ endoscopy