Barium X-ray
Understanding
Gastrointestinal Tract
With Barium
X-ray
Barium X-ray,
also known as barium enema or barium swallow, is a medical imaging technique
that involves the use of contrast agent barium sulfate to examine the inside of
the upper gastrointestinal tract. The barium sulfate contrast agent is a chalky
liquid or barium-containing food to enhance the visibility of the
gastrointestinal tract on the X-rays. Barium X-ray plays an important role in
radiology as it enables healthcare professionals to identify and assess
gastrointestinal issues aiding in appropriate treatment and management. This
diagnostic tool helps in the screening and diagnosis of gastrointestinal issues
such as esophageal disorders such as reflex and ulcers, stomach issues such as
ulcers, tumours, or gastritis, and small intestine disorders such as
malabsorption disorders, Crohn’s disease or tumours.
Key Components of the Barium X-Ray:
Barium Enema:
Barium enema,
also known as lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, is a diagnostic imaging
technique that uses a contrast agent containing barium sulfate to examine the
large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a helpful tool in diagnosing
conditions and disorders affecting the lower GI tract. This test is often
conducted to identify and evaluate abnormalities in the colon and rectum such
as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and colonic
strictures.
Procedure:
●
Before the procedure begins,
the patient is asked to follow a set diet plan and perform bowel preparation to
cleanse the bowel.
●
During the process, the patient
is made to lie on the X-ray table and a tube is inserted into the rectum
through which the contrast material is injected into the colon.
●
X-ray images are then taken as
the barium fills the colon and outlines its structure highlighting any
abnormalities.
●
Fluoroscopy is often used
during barium enema.
●
The radiologists then assess
the X-rays and screen for any polyps, tumours, or inflammation in the colon or
rectum.
●
After the procedure, the
patient is advised to drink a lot of water to eliminate the barium from the
body.
Barium Small Bowel Follow-Through:
A barium small
bowel follow-through (SBFT) is an important diagnostic imaging procedure that
involves the use of a contrast material containing barium sulfate to assess and
examine the small intestine (small bowel). This imaging technique offers
comprehensive and detailed X-ray images of the small bowel to detect and
identify abnormalities such as obstructions, ulcers, tumours, malabsorption
disorders, or inflammatory conditions. The imaging test is also used to monitor
the progress of treatment for various gastrointestinal conditions that affect
the small bowel.
Procedure:
●
Before the procedure, patients
might be instructed to fast for a certain period - particularly from midnight
before the test. This fasting helps generate accurate images of the small bowel
during the imaging.
●
On the day of the test, the
patient is asked to drink a barium sulfate solution that coats the lining of
the small bowel. The patient might be given a specific volume of the solutions
to drink at set intervals.
●
X-ray images are then taken at
various intervals as the barium travels through the small intestine. The barium
then allows for the clear visualisation of the small bowel’s structure and
function. Fluoroscopy is often used for barium small bowel follow-through.
●
Radiologists then review the
X-ray and fluoroscopy images to assess the small bowel’s anatomy and function.
Depending on the results of the scan, appropriate treatment action may be
administered.
●
After the imaging is complete,
the patient is allowed to resume their normal diet and activities and are often
advised to drink plenty of water to eliminate the barium from the body.
Barium Swallow:
A barium
swallow, also known as an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series or esophagogram,
is a valuable diagnostic imaging procedure that is often used to examine the
upper gastrointestinal (GI) - including oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the
first part of the small intestine). The imaging test involves the use of
contrast material containing barium sulfate to enhance the visibility of these
organs and their structures during the X-ray imaging. The test helps in
identification and diagnosis of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, esophageal strictures, ulcers, tumours, and
motility disorders.
Procedure:
●
Patients are advised to fast
overnight to enable clear visualisation of the upper GI tract during the
imaging.
●
The patient is then asked to
drink a barium sulfate liquid that has a chalky texture - which then coats the
lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to enhance their visibility on
the X-ray images.
●
X-ray images are then taken at
regular intervals allowing the barium to pass through these structures and
patients may be asked to change positions during the X-ray imaging to obtain
images from various angels and ensure a comprehensive view of the upper GI
tract.
●
Fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray
imaging technique, is carried out during barium swallow as it allows
observation of the flow of barium through the upper GI tract in real-time.
●
The images are then carefully
analyzed by the radiologists and after determining the presence of
abnormalities, they decide if further evaluation is needed.
MCU:
MCU, also known
as Micturating Cystourethrogram, is a specific type of radiological procedure
used to visualise the urinary tract - specifically the bladder and urethra. It
is not directly related to barium X-rays but is often performed using a
contrast agent - typically a water-soluble iodinated contrast medium. The test
is generally performed to evaluate the anatomy and function of the urinary
tract and diagnose conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux, bladder
abnormalities, urethral strictures, and other urinary tract abnormalities. It
is also used to monitor the progress of treatment for various urinary tract conditions.
Procedure:
●
Patients are typically
instructed to arrive with a full bladder for the procedure to enable clear
imaging of the organs.
● The patient is then positioned
on the X-ray table and a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
A water-soluble iodinated contrast medium is then introduced into the bladder
through this urethra to allow visualisation of the bladder and urinary tract.
●
X-ray images are taken as the
patient empties the bladder which allows the radiologist to observe the flow of
the contrast medium through the urinary tract.
●
Fluoroscopy is also used during
an MCU as it offers continuous imaging to observe the flow of contrast in
real-time.
●
The images also capture the
anatomy of the kidney in some cases along with bladder and urethra.
●
Radiologists then carefully
review the X-ray and fluoroscopy images to assess and determine if any
abnormalities are seen in the function and anatomy of the bladder and urethra.
● After the imaging is complete,
the catheter is removed and patients may be advised to empty their bladder
completely to ensure the contrast medium is properly eliminated from the body.