Advanced Practice Provider EoE Program (Live/Virtual) | October 2025-The Esophagram: From A to EoE

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Olson, assistant professor of radiology at Mayo Clinic, presents a detailed overview of the dual contrast barium esophagram, emphasizing its value in assessing esophageal structure, function, and pathology. He outlines the exam protocol, including ingestion of an effervescent agent for air contrast, upright and recumbent imaging positions, provocative maneuvers to evaluate peristalsis and reflux, and swallowing a 13mm barium tablet to simulate food bolus transit. Key normal and abnormal findings are demonstrated, with focus on common conditions: achalasia (showing dilated esophagus, absent peristalsis, bird’s beak sign), eosinophilic esophagitis (with esophageal rings and narrowing), and post-operative complications such as leaks, fistulae, and strictures following surgeries like fundoplication, gastrectomy, and gastric bypass. Esophagrams complement endoscopy by dynamically visualizing esophageal motility and caliber changes, plus detecting subtle anatomic defects, proving invaluable in diagnosis and post-surgical follow-up of esophageal disorders.

Asset Subtitle

Michael Olson, MD

Keywords

dual contrast barium esophagram

esophageal structure and function

achalasia diagnosis

eosinophilic esophagitis

post-operative esophageal complications

esophageal motility imaging