Radiologic Examination of the Orohypopharynx and Esophagus: The Barium Swallow

1 Technique.- General Remarks.- Contrast Media.- Variation in Technique Because of Age.- Types of Examinations.- Fluoroscopic and Filming Technique.- Special Examinations.- Special Maneuvers and Positions.- Special Tests.- Special Studies.- 2 Normal Anatomicoroentgen Studies and Correlations Gross Anatomy.- Gross Anatomy.- Mediastinum and Diaphragm.- Radiologic Anatomy.- Checklist of Observations During and Following a Barium Swallow.- 3 Congenital Anomalies and Developmental Abnormalities.- Normal Embryology.- Congenital Anomalies or Malformations.- Cardiovascular Anomalies.- Other Miscellaneous Vascular Anomalies.- Aberrant Vessels.- Congenital Heart Disease.- Abnormalities of Position.- Oral and Pharyngeal Dysphagia in Infancy.- Atresia and Agenesis of the Esophagus.- Developmental Disorders.- Related Congenital Systemic Disorders of the Esophagus.- 4 Mechanical Factors Affecting the Contour of the Orohypopharynx and Esophagus.- External Factors.- Internal Factors.- 5 Functional, Involutional, and Degenerative Disorders.- Functional Changes.- Involutional Changes.- Degenerative Changes.- 6 Organic Lesions (Systemic).- Neuromuscular Disorders.- Inflammatory Lesions.- Granulomatous Lesions.- Collagen Diseases.- Deficiency Disorders.- Leukemia and Lymphomas of the Esophagus.- Amyloidosis.- Esophageal Varices.- Miscellaneous Conditions.- 7 Organic Lesions (Local).- Esophagitis.- Esophageal Ulcers.- Benign Strictures.- Diverticula.- Primary Neoplasms of the Hypopharynx and Esophagus.- 8 Roentgenologic Appearance Following Surgery and Radiation Therapy.- Radiologic Changes Following Surgery.- Radiologic Changes Following Radiotherapy for Neoplasms.- Concluding Remarks.- References.