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An upper gastrointestinal series, also called a barium swallow, barium study, or barium meal, is a series of radiographs used to examine the gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities. A contrast medium , usually a radiocontrast agent such as barium sulfate mixed with water, is ingested or instilled into the gastrointestinal tract, and X-rays are ...
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]
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 ...
String sign, or gastrointestinal string sign (also called string sign of Kantour), is a medical term for a radiographic finding on an upper GI series, in which the patient is given a radio-opaque material, such as barium, to drink. X-rays are then taken of the patient's stomach and intestines.
Barium sulfate, an insoluble white powder, is typically used for enhancing contrast in the GI tract. Depending on how it is to be administered the compound is mixed with water, thickeners, de-clumping agents, and flavourings to make the contrast agent. As the barium sulfate doesn't dissolve, this type of contrast agent is an opaque white mixture.
It is much more prominent in women than men, and is diagnosed with x-ray using barium contrast. [1] [3] Gastroptosis is mainly caused by the relaxation of surrounding ligaments and mesenteries as a result of the weight of the stomach. [4]
Air may then be introduced (negative contrast), which looks black on the film. The barium meal is an example of a contrast agent swallowed to examine the upper digestive tract. While soluble barium compounds are very toxic, the insoluble barium sulfate is nontoxic because its low solubility prevents the body from absorbing it.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) contrast radiographic studies (using barium or Gastrografin) are sensitive and specific if performed with the stomach in the "twisted" state and may show an upside-down stomach. Contrast studies have been reported to have a diagnostic yield in 81–84% of patients.