Any radiologists out there?

[6_Time_Momma]

On my daughter's xray report, the radiologist recommends "Four views of the chest with barium".

I am familiar with barium swallows for GI xrays, but how is barium used in evaluation of the heart?

We see her doctor next Friday, so I'll find out for sure then, but I'm curious as to how this is done.

 

[minniecarousel]

Perhaps you'll get a response from a doctor, but as a retired radiologic technologist, I can give you a little info. The four views of the chest using the barium will show contrast between the esophagus and the heart. It may show the size of the heart better, or possibly any differences in the shape of the heart. Barium is used simply as a contrast. It's the same stuff that is used for stomach studies. It's usually easy to swallow, doesn't taste bad (used to be very "chalky", but they've improved that some over the years.) Also: the different views give a more "3-D" effect.

I hope this gives you a little info - I know we've got at least one cardiologist here on the DIS as a regular - maybe he'll see this and give you more info.

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Perhaps you'll get a response from a doctor, but as a retired radiologic technologist, I can give you a little info. The four views of the chest using the barium will show contrast between the esophagus and the heart. It may show the size of the heart better, or possibly any differences in the shape of the heart. Barium is used simply as a contrast. It's the same stuff that is used for stomach studies. It's usually easy to swallow, doesn't taste bad (used to be very "chalky", but they've improved that some over the years.) Also: the different views give a more "3-D" effect.

I hope this gives you a little info - I know we've got at least one cardiologist here on the DIS as a regular - maybe he'll see this and give you more info.

So she'll have to drink that? Oh,I can just hear her now!! "Eww!!! Look mom!! It looks gross!!!"

Thanks for your response!

 

[Towncrier]

I had to do a barium swallow years ago and, if I recall, they added a mint flavor to the mix. It was kind of like a chalky shamrock shake from McDonalds.

I hope all goes well with her test.