GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT_2

A long tube beginning at the mouth and ending at the anus, measuring 28-34 feet (840-1020 cm).

Gastrointestinal Tract

Accessory organs

salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

An accessory organ that secretes fluid for insalivation.

Salivary Gland

An accessory organ responsible for the production of bile.

Liver

An organ that produces specialized digestive juices for the small intestine.

Pancreas

A milky fluid formed during gastric digestion.

Chyme

A milky fluid taken from food during intestinal digestion.

Chyle

An organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Gallbladder

The entire passage through which food passes, including the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

Alimentary Canal

A muscular, collapsible tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach, approximately 22.5-27.5 cm long.

Esophagus

A radiographic study of the esophagus using contrast media.

Esophagram

Substances used in imaging to enhance visibility, such as barium sulfate.

Contrast Media

Normal Esophageal Constrictions

aortic arch, left main bronchus, heart (left ventricle), and diaphragm.

Clinical Indication present in Esophagram

achalasia (cardiospasm), Barrett's esophagus, anatomic anomalies, dysphagia, carcinoma, esophageal varices, foreign bodies, and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

A congenital or ulcerative opening between the esophagus and trachea.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Objects that may become lodged in the esophagus, requiring imaging for identification.

Foreign Bodies in Esophagus

Examination Procedure Positions in Esophagram

upright position (preferred), AP/PA projection, oblique and lateral position

A procedure to visualize the esophagus and pharynx using barium contrast.

Barium Swallow

A type of barium used for quick outlining of the esophagus.

Thin Barium

A barium paste mixed with water, used to coat and adhere to the mucosa.

Thick Barium

The point where the x-ray beam is directed, typically perpendicular to the image receptor.

Central Ray (CR)

Two Procedure for Esophagram are done in what organs?

Throat and Esophagus

What procedure does the pharynx and esophagus begin, and in what position (2 answer)

Fluoroscopy in upright Position

In Esophagram, Filming is done in

spot film camera or digital fluoroscopy. 

True or false. No patient preparation is need for an esophagram, unless it is to be followed by an UGI

True

The radiologist instructs the patient to drink, and films in what positions

AP, RPO, and LPO positions.

Where does the patient often put in before the table to lowered to horizontal

RAO

It is taken per the radiologist’s routine

Overhead Films

What is needed, and care must be taken at the end of the straw to avoid being vacuum sealed to the bottom of the cup.

Large Diameter Straw

Esophagram Routine (Postfluoroscopy Projections)

Rao (35-40 degrees), Lateral, and AP (PA)

Esophagram Special Routine (Postfluoroscopy Projections)

LAO, and Soft tissue Lateral

Where does the CR located in a RAO, LAO, Lateral, and AP (PA) Positioning

T5-T6

(1 inch [2.5 cm] inferior to sternal angle) - only apply in RAO positioning

Evaluation Criteria of RAO esophagogram

Esophagus midway between spine and heart

What position in upper esophagus that provides a better visualization of proximal esophagus

Swimmer’s Lateral

Evaluation Criteria Lateral Esophagogram

•Arms not superimposing esophagus

•True lateral position

Evaluation Criteria (AP Esophagogram)

No rotation

Evaluation Criteria LAO Esophagogram

•Esophagus midway between spine and hilar region

Positioning for Esophagram:

AP and PA of esophagus

RAO and LAO esophagus

Right lateral esophagus
with film Critique