Radiologic Contrast: Sialography, Pharyngography, and Esophagogram

Vocabulary flashcards covering the radiologic procedures, anatomical structures, and clinical maneuvers associated with sialography, pharyngography, and esophagograms.

Sialography

The radiologic examination of the salivary glands and ducts with the use of a contrast material, usually a water-soluble iodinated medium.

Parotid

The largest of the salivary glands, meaning “near the ear,” located just anterior to the external ear.

Submandibular

Also known as the submaxillary gland, this term means “below mandible or maxilla.”

Sublingual

A pair of salivary glands meaning “below the tongue.”

Scout film

Preliminary radiographs obtained to detect conditions demonstrable without contrast medium and to establish the optimum exposure technique.

Secretory stimulant

A substance, such as a wedge of fresh lemon, given $2$ to $3$ minutes before sialography to open the duct for easier identification and passage of a cannula.

Tangential projection (Parotid)

A projection that demonstrates the parotid gland and duct, improved by having the patient fill the mouth with air and puff the cheeks out.

Stensen's duct

The proper name for the parotid duct.

Iglauer method

A technique for the submandibular gland where the floor of the mouth is depressed to displace the gland below the mandible.

Deglutition

The medical term for the act of swallowing.

Gunson method

A practical suggestion for synchronizing exposure with swallowing by tying a dark-colored shoestring snugly around the patient's throat above the thyroid cartilage.

Valsalva's maneuver

A maneuver where the patient takes a deep breath and bears down to increase intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressure, showing complete closure of the glottis.

Modified Valsalva's maneuver

A maneuver where the patient pinches the nostrils and makes a slight effort to blow the nose, testing the elasticity of the laryngeal pharynx and piriform recesses.

Positive-contrast laryngopharyngography

An examination of the larynx and laryngopharynx usually performed to determine the exact site, size, and extent of tumor masses.

Esophagogram

Also called a barium swallow, this radiographic procedure uses contrast to demonstrate the form and function of the pharynx and esophagus.

Mueller maneuver

A breathing exercise where the patient exhales and then tries to inhale against a closed glottis to produce esophageal reflux.

Water test

A test where the patient is in a supine, slight LPO position and swallows water to check for significant barium regurgitation into the esophagus.

Toe-touch maneuver

A maneuver where the cardiac orifice is observed under fluoroscopy as the patient bends over to touch their toes to study regurgitation or hiatal hernias.

Hypopharynx

An alternative name for the laryngeal pharynx.

IR size for Sialography

Standard imaging plate size of $8 \times 10 \text{ inches}$.

- inflammatory lesions

- tumors

- determine the extent of salivary fistulae

- localize diverticulae

- strictures

- calculi

indications for sialography (6)

salivary gland

accessory organs of digestion associated with the

mouth.

radiopaque medium

medium to inject in the main duct

PHARYNGOGRAPHY

Opaque studies of the pharynx

PHARYNGOGRAPHY

This examination is frequently carried out using fluoroscopy with spot-film images only.

GUNSON’S METHOD

consists of tying a dark-colored shoe string snugly around the patient's throat above the thyroid cartilage.

MILD SEDATIVE

may be administered before the examination for positive contars laryngopharyngography

pharyngolaryngeal

made during breathing, phonation, stress maneuvers, and swallowing

radiolucent contrast medium

the contrast medium used for esophagogram

ACHALASIA

stricture or narrowing of esophagus

barret’s esophagus

streaked appearance of distal esophagus

carcinoma

atrophic changes in mucosa

dysphagia

narrowing or enlargement of esophagus

esophageal varices

wormlike appearance esophagusz

zenker’s diverticulum

enlarged recess

1. Breathing exercises

2. Water test

3. Compression paddle technique

4. Toe-touch maneuver

procedures may be performed to detect esophageal

reflux: