Double-contrast examinations of the stomach or large bowel are performed to better visualize
A barium X-ray is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Barium X-rays (also called upper and lower GI series) are used to diagnose abnormalities of the GI tract, such as tumors, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions, polyps, hernias, and strictures.
The use of barium with standard X-rays contributes to the visibility of various characteristics of the GI tract. Barium is a dry, white, chalky powder that is mixed with water to make barium liquid. Barium is an X-ray
absorber and appears white on X-ray film. When instilled into the GI tract, barium coats the inside wall of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and/or small intestine so that the inside wall lining, size, shape, contour, and patency (openness) are visible on X-ray. This process shows differences that might not be seen on standard X-rays. Barium is used only for diagnostic studies of the GI tract. In addition to drinking barium, air is often inserted into the bowel for a lower GI
X-ray. For an upper GI X-ray, some patients may be given baking soda crystals (similar to Alka-Seltzer) to further improve the image. These types of procedure are called air-contrast or double-contrast GI studies. Fluoroscopy is often used during a barium X-ray. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures—similar to an X-ray "movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion
can be seen in detail. In a barium X-ray, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement of the barium through the GI tract as it is instilled through the mouth or the rectum. Reasons for performing barium X-ray procedures may include the following: Abdominal pain Bleeding from the rectum Unexplained vomiting Bowel movement changes Chronic diarrhea or
constipation Pain or difficulty swallowing Unexplained weight loss Unusual bloating To detect anatomical abnormalities
Additional procedures are often performed in addition to barium X-rays. These procedures may include endoscopic examinations (an endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a body cavity and, using fiberoptic technology, provides direct visualization of the inside of the cavity), computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and intra-cavity ultrasound. What are the different types of barium X-ray procedures?There are three types of barium X-ray procedures:
What does the double contrast technique help to identify?The Double-Contrast Barium Enema (also called DCBE or barium enema) uses X-rays to find abnormal growths in the colon. Barium, a silver-white metallic compound, is used to outline the colon and rectum on the X-ray.
Why is double contrast used?The 'double contrast' refers to the use of positive and negative contrast agents to increase the sensitivity of the examination. The double contrast study is sensitive to visualize mucosal irregularities.
Which organ is typically imaged using a double contrast procedure?Double-contrast image. A smaller quantity of thicker barium liquid is introduced to the large intestine, followed by air. Double-contrast images show smaller surface abnormalities of the large intestine, as the air prevents the barium from filling the intestine.
What are advantages of double contrast over single contrast in barium enema procedure?Double-contrast barium enema detected 135 (91%) of 149 polyps, with 88% of polyps under 1 cm and 96% of larger polyps detected. Thus, the double-contrast barium enema was more effective than the single-contrast examination only for detection of polyps under 1 cm.
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