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Barium swallow

Authoring team

This is a single contrast radiological technique used primarily to assess the functional and anatomical properties of the oesophagus (1).

Liquid barium is swallowed in an upright and prone position and radiographs are taken during the oesophageal phase of transit (2).

  • Height of the barium and oesophageal width are measured.

Classic finding on barium swallow is smooth tapering of lower oesophagus to a “bird’s beak” appearance, with dilation of proximal oesophagus and lack of peristalsis during fluoroscopy (2).

Reference:

  1. Schlottmann F, Patti MG. Esophageal achalasia: current diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Jul;12(7):711-721. doi: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1481748. Epub 2018 Jun 8. PMID: 29804476.
  2. Momodu II, Wallen JM. Achalasia. [Updated 2021 Aug 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/ - article-17083.s4 (accessed 21 January 2022)

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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