Imaging of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum

Question 1

Contrast media of the GI tract

Answer 1

Absorbable, water soluble iodine based contrast media: Iodine based.
Can have a strong laxative effect, diarrhea and dehydration can occur.

Non-absorbable, insoluble: Barium Sulfate

Single contrast - just the fluid, provides an outline of the lumen, viewing of strictures. A “releif” of the lumen. Not good for showing small lesions.

Double contrast, positive contrast followed by air or methylcellulose inflation of the GI (negative contrast) allows for viewing the mucosal surface.

Question 2

Complications of barium sulfate leaking through perforations.

Its contraindications

Answer 2

Peritonitis, mediastinitis

Muslce paralysis –> diaphragm, or intestinal wall paralysis and paralytic illeus. high mortality rate.

Absolute contras:
 suspected leak or perforation
 postoperative states, presumptive suture dehiscence
 retained foreign body
 following instrumental procedures
 presumptive aspiration
 suspected broncho-esophageal fistula
 fistulography
 filling of bile ducts
 definite intestinal obstruction
 severe gastrointestinal bleeding

Question 3

Types of GI contrast exams

Answer 3

Contrast swallow exam

Esophogram - single or double contrast

Collapsed view esophogram

Gastric fluoroscopy

GI follow through study

Collapsed view dueodenography

Barium enema/colonography.

Question 4

What is enteroclysis

Answer 4

Real time imaging of the contrast material as it is flowing through the bowels. Can take a very long time.
By fluoroscopy.

It is now obsolete and replaced by CT/MRI scans.

Question 5

Other imaging techniques of the GI system

Answer 5

pill swallow gastroscopy,

CT 3d Reconstruction.