Barium Retrograde
This patient underwent contrast administration per rectum. The large bowel is outlined above. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Barium Enema
In this patient, one may note contrast enhancement throughout the GI tract, achieved with both anterograde (swallowed) and retrograde (per rectum) administration. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Gastric Varices
The gastric “string of pearls” sign is caused by a string of varices around gastric fundus. Etiology: Splenic/Portal venous thrombosis due to pancreatitis. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Esophageal Stenosis
Esophageal stenosis exemplified with contrast. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Achalasia – open
Achalasia – Open bird-beak sign
Open “bird-beak” sign suggestive of adenocarcinoma of the gastric fundus. This disease entity presents as ‘achalasia’, however, in true achalasia the radiologic sign is different. [Courtesy of N. Jaffer]
Achalasia – closed
Achalasia – Closed bird-beak sign [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Small and Large Bowel
The bowel normally contains variable amounts of air or gas (black). Only the inner aspect of the bowel that contains air can be visualized, while the outer limits of the bowel wall are impossible to see (normally).
The large bowel (outlined in the left image) is located peripherally in the abdomen, resembling a “picture frame”. It has a larger diameter than the small bowel and contains mucosal folds, called haustra, that do not completely cross the width of the bowel. The small bowel (outlined in the right image) is located centrally in the abdomen, has a smaller diameter and has folds, called valvulae conniventes (or plicae circulares), that traverse the entire width of the bowel. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
Normal AXR
Supine (left), upright (middle), left lateral decubitus (LLD = left side down).
The anteroposterior (AP) radiograph is most commonly performed with the patient in the supine position, but the upright view can be useful in searching for free intraperitoneal air and/or intestinal air-fluid levels. (Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer)
Liver and Spleen
Abdominal axial CT images showing normal liver and spleen parenchyma. Major blood vessels are labeled. [Courtesy of Dr. N. Jaffer]
