Introduction to
GI Radiology
Tikrit University
College of Medicine
Department of Radiology
Contrast Medium for Oral GI Studies
Barium (Non-water soluble)
• Can cause sever peritonitis and fibrosis in perforation
or leakage.
• Contraindicated in case of perforation or leakage,
partial & complete obstruction, suspected aspiration.
Gastrografin (Water Soluble)
• High osmolar , Gastrografin may cause the loss of a
large amount of fluid into the intestines. High
osmolarity make the gastrographin of therapeutic
action in case of uncomplicated meconium ileus.
• Used in CT examination.
Contrast Studies
• Esophagus
• Ba Swallow
• Stomach
• Ba Meal
• Small Bowel
• Ba Follow Through
• Large bowel
• Ba Enema
Ba Swallow
• Indications:
– Dysphagia
– Pain
– Gastro-Esophyageal-Reflux Disease (GERD)
– Anemia
– Assessment of Hiatus hernia, Ulcer, Diverticulosis &
Stricture.
– In case of suspected perforation, Gastrographin is used
• Contraindications
– Aspiration
– Perforation
Barium Meal
• Indications:
– Dyspepsia
– Upper abdominal mass
– Weight Loss
– Recurrent vomiting (gastric
outlet obstruction)
– Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.
– Peptic Ulcer, Diverticulosis .
• Contraindications
• Complete large bowel obstruction
• Suspected perforation
• Patient preparation:
– NPO ---6 hrs
– No smoking– increases GI motility
In case of suspected perforation, Gastrographin is used
Small Bowel Follow through
Small bowel enema (Enteroclysis)
• Indications
– Pain
– Diarrhoea
– Anemia/GI bleed
– Malabsorption
– Abdominal mass
– Assessment of
stricture (site,
nature & length
• Contraindications
– Bowel obstruction
• Patient Preparation
– Low residue diet
– Bowel Prep: Dulcolax -2-4 Tab
Small Bowel follow through VS Small bowel enema
Barium Enema
• Indications
– Change in bowel habits
– Pain
– Mass
– Melaena / Anemia
– Single contrast in case of
Obstruction &
Intussusceptions to assess
the level, length & nature
of obstruction and may
have a therapeutic action
with caution of
perforation.
• Contraindications
– Rectal biopsy—5 days
– Toxic megacolon
– Pseudomembranous colitis
• Preparation:
(2 days)
– Low residue diet
– Bowel prep (Dulcolax – 4 Tab)
