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Pharynx and Esophagus: Barium Studies and Fluoroscopic Evaluation

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Abdominal Imaging

Abstract

With advances in cross-sectional imaging techniques and endoscopy in recent years, barium studies have decreased in volume overall; however, fluoroscopic studies remain a relatively inexpensive, safe, and readily available means for evaluation of the pharynx and esophagus (Gelfand et al. 1987; DiSantis 2008). Despite the decline in overall numbers of fluoroscopic procedures performed, the numbers of esophagrams and swallowing studies have actually increased (DiSantis 2008). The esophagram can provide necessary information about the morphology and function of the pharynx and esophagus (Ott et al. 1989). In addition to detailed anatomic and mucosal detail, esophageal motility can be assessed and gastroesophageal reflux diagnosed (Pan et al. 2003). The modified barium swallow provides information about a patient’s swallowing function and dietary requirements, especially for stroke and head trauma patients (Jones 2008).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 1250 East Marshall Street, 23298, Richmond, VA, USA

    Dr. Laura R. Carucci MD (Associated Professor of Radiology, Director, MRI and CT)

Authors
  1. Dr. Laura R. Carucci MD
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Correspondence to Laura R. Carucci MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Bernd Hamm

  2. Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Pablo R. Ros

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Carucci, L.R. (2013). Pharynx and Esophagus: Barium Studies and Fluoroscopic Evaluation. In: Hamm, B., Ros, P.R. (eds) Abdominal Imaging. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13327-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13327-5_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-13326-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-13327-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

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