Can benign and malignant gastric ulcers be distinguished? Imaging features allow an estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. A malignant or possibly malignant appearance warrants endoscopy and biopsy. For unequivocally benign radiographic features, radiologic follow-up is a less costly and less invasive alternative. If features equivocal for malignancy develop during follow-up or if healing fails …
What is the difference between barium swallow upper GI series and small bowel follow through (SBFT)? All three refer to a radiographic examination in which the patient ingests a radiopaque contrast medium, typically barium. Barium evaluation of duodenal pathologies is technically more challenging than rest of gastrointestinal tract. Barium study still forms an initial and …
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What findings help distinguish achalasia secondary to cancer from primary achalasia? Features suggestive for secondary achalasia (cancer): • LES “beak” is irregular, eccentric, or abruptly marginated. • LES “beak” is long, 3.5 cm or longer. • Esophageal body is relatively narrow, caliber 4 cm or smaller.
How can a barium swallow distinguish achalasia from scleroderma? If the condition results in dysmotility that is at least moderate in severity, barium swallow abnormalities are usually different in these two conditions. Achalasia versus Scleroderma Esophageal Dilatation Peristalsis in Pure Smooth Muscle Part of Esophagus Esophagogastric Junction Achalasia May be marked Absent Beak: smooth, concentric, …
Which esophageal motility disorders are diagnosable by barium swallow? Of the five primary esophageal motility disorders, three may be diagnosed by barium swallow: achalasia, esophageal spasm, and ineffective esophageal motility. The two primary motility disorders that cannot be diagnosed by barium swallows are “nutcracker esophagus” and hyperactive lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is there a role for barium swallow? A barium esophagram plays a key role prior to antireflux surgery for patients with GERD. This examination allows for assessment of esophageal emptying, identifies the presence and type of hiatal hernia as well as the presence of a foreshortened esophagus, evaluates …
What information does a barium swallow provide? Barium swallow, also referred to as esophagram, is the general term for a fluoroscopic-radiographic examination of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal swallowing. For the evaluation of dysphagia, a barium swallow study has a few advantages over endoscopy, primarily its ability to diagnose disorders of motility in addition to structural abnormalities. Conversely, …