Barium Meal

A barium meal, also known as a '''barium swallow''' or an '''upper gastrointestinal series''' is a procedure in which Radiographs of the Esophagus , Stomach and Duodenum are taken after Barium Sulfate is ingested by a patient. Barium meals are useful in the diagnosis of structural and Motility abnormalities of the Foregut .

There are two varieties of barium meal, these being single and double contrast meals. A single contrast meal uses only barium, a Radiopaque (or positive) contrast medium, to image the upper gastrointestinal tract while a double contrast meal uses barium as well as a radioluscent (or negative) contrast medium such as room air, Nitrogen , or Carbon Dioxide . The double contrast meal has the advantage of demonstrating mucosal details and is much more useful as a diagnostic test allowing the detection of small mucosal lesions such as Diverticula or Polyps .

Information About

Barium Meal