Barium swallow

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Summary

A barium swallow is a medical imaging procedure used to examine the upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract, which includes the oesophagus and, to a lesser extent, the stomach.

Principle

Barium sulphate is a type of contrast medium that is visible to x-rays. As the patient swallows the barium suspension, it coats the esphagus with a thin layer of the barium. This enables the hollow structure to be imaged.

Examination

The patient is asked to drink a suspension of barium sulfate. Fluoroscopy images are taken as the barium is swallowed. This is typically at a rate of 2 or 3 frames pers second. The patient is asked to swallow the Barium a number of times, whilst standing in different positions, i.e. AP, oblique and lateral, to assess the 3D structure as best possible.

Pathology

Pathologies detected on a Barium Swallow include:

• Achalasia
• Oesophageal pouch
• Cancer of oesophagus
• Tracheoesophageal fistula
• Schatzki ring
• Reflux
• Zenker's diverticulum
• Hiatus hernia

See also

• Barium enema
• Barium meal
• Barium follow-through