Side Effects of Radiographic Contrast Media: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Contrast-induced nephropathy: definition, epidemiology, and patients at risk. Impact of nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention and a method for risk stratification. Bartholomew BA, Harjai KJ, Dukkipati S, Boura JA, Yerkey MW, Glazier S, et al. Side effects of radiographic contrast media: pathogenesis, risk factors, and prevention. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury: definition, epidemiology, and outcome. Meinel FG, De Cecco CN, Schoepf UJ, Katzberg R. Contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary interventions in relation to chronic kidney disease and hemodynamic variables. Dangas G, Iakovou I, Nikolsky E, Aymong ED, Mintz GS, Kipshidze NN, et al. Stools may be pale or whitish for a few days after the test.1.
Patients are therefore advised to drink plenty of fluid and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Some patients may feel abdominal bloating after a barium meal test and the test may also lead to constipation. Women are asked details of the dates of their last menstruation to ensure the test is performed while the risk of pregnancy is at its lowest. X-rays are also harmful to unborn babies and should be avoided by women who are or may be pregnant. Some patients, however, are at risk of breathing in or aspirating the barium. There are no risks associated with the barium liquid because it is not absorbed by the body. However, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to during an X-ray is is very low and risks are minimal. RisksĮxposure to X-rays carries a similar risk as exposure to ionizing radiation. These include constrictions, hernias, obstructions or masses in the esophagus or stomach, and inflammatory or other diseases of the intestines. Why is this procedure performed?īarium meal examination is usually performed to help diagnose various diseases or disorders of the digestive system. Once the barium contrast has passed through to the large bowel or the colon, more pictures are taken. This may mean images are taken over anywhere between 1 and 4 hours.
The radiographer then takes a series of X-ray images over time as the barium contrast moves through the digestive system. Some initial images are taken to check that the barium has passed through the esophagus, and into the stomach and small bowel. Next, the barium contrast liquid is given to the patient to drink. The patient is first asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all jewellery, dentures, glasses, metal objects and clothing as these items can interfere with imaging.įirst, some fizzy granules, called carbex granules are given to the patient to create gas and expand the stomach for clearer viewing. A patient may be given a laxative the night before the procedure to ensure the small bowel is empty at the time of the test, which is usually performed on an empty stomach. Procedureīefore a barium meal test is performed, the duodenum needs to be empty to allow clear visualization of structures.
A barium meal can be performed by a radiologist (or radiographer) who has specialist skills in imaging studies and works as a healthcare professional to diagnose and treat illness.