Relevance of Barium Studies in an Era of Cross-Sectional Imaging in a Low Resource Economy

Abstract

Purpose: The demand for barium tests has steadily decreased since the development of contemporary imaging technology, for a variety of reasons, in the current era of cancer. It is crucial to note right now that barium exams will never be unnecessary. Barium exams have largely been superseded by a number of advanced imaging modalities in recent years, including high resolution ultrasonography, endoscopy, colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and defecography. Barium swallows still outperform endoscopy, manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in the assessment of motility issues, sub-mucosal lesions, and extrinsic pathology even though these diagnostic techniques are equally helpful in the evaluation of esophageal illnesses. The target is to maintain the traditional barium study method for the patient's benefit and proper care, as well as to keep it alive. The objective is to safeguard barium radiology for the high standard of patient care rather than to "save" barium exams only to maintain this technology. The main aim of this study is to review the various forms of barium studies
 Methodology: Relevant databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase to search for literature related to barium studies and cross sectional imaging were used for this study. Search strategy including keywords related to barium studies, cross-sectional imaging and low resource economies. This may include terms such as barium swallow, barium meal, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging.
 Findings: Conventional Barium examinations still have a purpose in determining the state of the mucosa, diameter of the lumen, degree, and type of obstruction even though CT and MRI have essentially superseded them. Additionally, barium offers live data on intestinal transit duration and motility. On a CT scan, these characteristics are not visible
 Recommendations: To prevent this modality from going extinct and ultimately harming patients, teaching institutions should encourage radiologists to become conversant with Barium studies.