Barium Studies in Modern Radiology: Do They Have a Role?

Abstract

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Changing Abdominal Imaging Utilization Patterns: Perspectives From Medicare Beneficiaries Over Two Decades

“…Our data show an even further decline in GI fluoroscopic studies through 2012. Possible reasons for the decline in barium fluoroscopy studies include increased utilization of endoscopic procedures [1], increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging (eg, CT and MR enterography), and improvements in medical therapies (eg, proton pump inhibitors for peptic disease) [22]. The declining numbers of barium studies could have negative implications for resident and fellow training, as well as for maintenance of expertise of practicing radiologists [22].…”

“…Possible reasons for the decline in barium fluoroscopy studies include increased utilization of endoscopic procedures [1], increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging (eg, CT and MR enterography), and improvements in medical therapies (eg, proton pump inhibitors for peptic disease) [22]. The declining numbers of barium studies could have negative implications for resident and fellow training, as well as for maintenance of expertise of practicing radiologists [22]. Between 1998 and 2010, the number of Medicare beneficiary imaging examinations interpreted by trainees declined by 8% for radiography but increased for CT (þ129%), MR (þ132%), and ultrasound (þ50%) [23].…”

Status of barium studies in the present era of oncology: Are they a history?

“…Hence, in the era of personalised cancer medicine and molecular functional imaging there is a need to revitalize barium studies that have been ignored for a long time. [4561516]…”

“…They must be coerced, and we should demonstrate a good study to encourage them to look our way. [46]…”

Does conventional defecography has a role to play in evaluation of evacuatory disorders in Indian population?

“…[3] Defecography has a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic effect, allows evaluation in supine position, and is of considerable benefit to referring clinicians. [45678] Defecography may provide useful information in incompetent patients with outlet obstruction constipation symptoms, but has little value in incontinent patients without such symptoms. [9] The radiation dose for defecography is approximately 2-3 mSv.…”