Fluoroscopy and Interventional Procedures Flashcards

Which contrast medium is most commonly used in a barium enema (lower GI series) procedure?

Answer: Barium sulfate suspension

Barium sulfate suspension is the standard contrast medium for barium enema procedures because it coats the colonic mucosa effectively, is radiopaque, and is safe in an intact bowel.

What is the pharmacologic purpose of administering glucagon during a GI fluoroscopic examination?

Answer: To reduce peristalsis and decrease bowel motility for improved mucosal coating

Glucagon is a hypotonic agent that temporarily suppresses gastrointestinal peristalsis, allowing barium to coat the mucosal surface more uniformly and improving image quality during the examination.

During a small bowel follow-through (SBFT), how frequently are radiographs typically obtained after the patient ingests barium?

Answer: Every 15-30 minutes until barium reaches the terminal ileum

Serial radiographs obtained every 15-30 minutes track the progression of barium through the small bowel, with imaging continuing until contrast opacifies the terminal ileum to confirm complete evaluation.

What anatomical structures are primarily evaluated during a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)?

Answer: The bladder and urethra during filling and voiding phases

A VCUG uses fluoroscopy and contrast to evaluate bladder morphology and urethral anatomy during filling and voiding, and is the study of choice for detecting vesicoureteral reflux.

How does a double-contrast barium enema differ from a single-contrast barium enema?

Answer: Double-contrast uses barium and air together to better coat and distend the colon for mucosal surface detail

The double-contrast technique uses barium to coat the mucosal lining and insufflated air to distend the colon, providing superior visualization of small polyps and subtle mucosal lesions compared to single-contrast studies.

What is the most critical contraindication to performing a barium enema examination?

Answer: Suspected perforation of the colon

Suspected bowel perforation is an absolute contraindication because barium escaping into the peritoneal cavity causes barium peritonitis, a life-threatening chemical inflammatory reaction with very high mortality.

What is the typical initial patient positioning used when beginning an upper GI series?

Answer: Recumbent position with rotation as directed by the fluoroscopist

The upper GI series typically begins with the patient recumbent, allowing barium to pool and coat the gastric mucosa; the fluoroscopist then rotates the patient as needed to profile different portions of the stomach and duodenum.