Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Barium X-ray examinations are useful tools for the study of appearance and function of the parts of the gastrointestinal tract. They are used to diagnose and monitor esophageal reflux, dysphagia, hiatus hernia, strictures, diverticula, pyloric stenosis, gastritis, enteritis, volvulus, varices, ulcers, tumors, and gastrointestinal dysmotility, as well as to detect foreign bodies.
The barium sulfate, a radiodense (shows as white on X-ray) contrast medium, flows through the rectum into the colon. A large balloon at the tip of the enema tube may be inflated to help keep the barium sulfate inside. The flow of the barium sulfate is monitored by the health care provider on an X-ray fluoroscope screen (like a TV monitor). Air ...
Barium sulfate suspension, often simply called barium, is a contrast agent used during X-rays. [1] Specifically it is used to improve visualization of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines) on plain X-ray or computed tomography. [2] It is taken by mouth or used rectally. [3]
Barium (usually as a sulfate) outlines the colon and rectum on an x-ray and helps show abnormalities. Air is also put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray. Double-contrast barium enemas are less invasive than a colonoscopy and have comparatively fewer issues in a viable large bowel. [2]
An upper gastrointestinal series is where a contrast medium, usually a radiocontrast agent such as barium sulfate barium salt mixed with water, is ingested or instilled into the gastrointestinal tract, and X-rays are used to create radiographs of the regions of interest. The barium enhances the visibility of the relevant parts of the ...
During a barium enema, a contrast agent (barium sulfate) is introduced into the colon, and X-ray images are taken. In a leadpipe colon, the following features are seen: [ 3 ] Loss of haustral folds: The normally visible pouches or folds (haustra) that segment the colon are absent or flattened.
Barium sulfate has a low toxicity and relatively high density of ca. 4.5 g/cm 3 (and thus opacity to X-rays). For this reason it is used as a radiocontrast agent in X-ray imaging of the digestive system ("barium meals" and "barium enemas").
Radiocontrast agents are typically iodine, or more rarely barium sulfate. The contrast agents absorb external X-rays, resulting in decreased exposure on the X-ray detector. This is different from radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine which emit radiation.