Indications for Use

Fluoroscopy is used to evaluate dynamic processes and structures in motion. It is used both in the diagnosis and in the treatment of disease. Diagnostic uses include evaluation of swallowing function, study of the gastrointestinal tract, motion of the diaphragm and motion of joints, evaluation of blood vessel patency and size. Therapeutically, it is used in everyday practice as guidance for a wide variety of interventional procedures, performed by radiologists and other specialists.

GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Fluoroscopy is invaluable in the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract. Ingested barium is watched fluoroscopically as it moves throughout the gastrointestinal structures. Things that can be observed fluoroscopically include swallowing function, motility and peristalsis of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel, and the rapidity of transit throughout these gastrointestinal structures. The fold pattern, distensibility, and caliber of these structures is also observed.

Clinically, fluoroscopy of the GI tract allows diagnosis of obstructions, strictures, abnormal peristalsis, bowel wall edema, and impaired swallowing function such as aspiration into the trachea. The image on the left is an x-ray taken during ingestion of barium under fluoroscopic guidance. Note how well the fold pattern of the small bowel loops is seen, outlined with barium.