High-density Barium Research Articles

Physical Features of High-Density Barium–Tungstate–Phosphate (BTP) Glasses: Elastic Moduli, and Gamma Transmission Factors

We present elastic moduli, gamma radiation attenuation characteristics, and transmission factor of barium–tungstate–phosphate (BTP) glasses with the chemical formula (60-y)BaO-yWO3-40P2O5, where y = 10 (S1)–40 (S4) in steps of 10 mole%. Different types of mathematical and simulation approaches, such as the Makishima-Mackenzie model, the Monte Carlo method, and the online Phy-X/PSD software, are utilized in terms of determining these parameters. The total packing density (Vt) is enriched from 0.607 to 0.627, while the total energy dissociation (Gt) is enriched by increasing the WO3 content (from 52.2 (kJ/cm3). In the investigated glasses, increasing tungstate trioxide (WO3) contribution enhanced Young’s, shear, bulk, and longitudinal moduli. Moreover, Poisson’s ratio is improved by increasing the WO3 content in the BTP glasses. The 20BaO-40WO3-40P2O5 sample possessed the highest values of both linear (µ) and mass attenuation (µm) coefficients, i.e., (µ, µm)S4 > (µ, µm)S3 > (µ, µm)S2 > (µ, µm)S1. Moreover, the 20BaO-40WO3-40P2O5 sample had the lowest values of half (HVL) and tenth (TVL) layers, i.e., (half, tenth)S4 < (half, tenth)S3 < (half, tenth)S2 < (half, tenth)S1. The effective atomic number (Zeff) of the studied glasses has the same behavior as µ and µm. Finally, the 20BaO-40WO3-40P2O5 is reported with the minimum values of transmission factor (TF) for all the BTP investigated at a thickness of 3 cm. In conclusion, the sample with composition 20BaO-40WO3-40P2O5 which has the maximum WO3 reinforcement may be a beneficial glass sample, along with its advanced mechanical and gamma ray shielding properties.

Esophageal abnormalities in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Fluoroscopic esophagography is a widely available, safe, and inexpensive test for detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this article, we review the technique for performing a high-quality esophagram, including upright, double-contrast views of the esophagus and cardia with high-density barium; prone, single-contrast views of the esophagus with low-density barium; and evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux. We then discuss the radiographic findings associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, including esophageal dysmotility, reflux esophagitis, peptic strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. Finally, we consider the differential diagnosis for the various radiographic findings associated with this condition. When carefully performed and interpreted, the esophagram is a useful test for evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications.

Optical properties of high density barium borate glass for gamma ray shielding applications

Study of optical and gamma rays shielding properties were performed in glassy system of xBaO–5MgO–8Na2O–(87 − x)B2O3, previously prepared by melt-quenching technique. The optical properties of the glass samples have been obtained using UV–Vis measurements. The WinXCom computer program (version 3.1) and Auto Zeff program (version 1.7) were used to calculate the mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers, respectively, of γ-photon energies from 1 keV up to 1 GeV. The results reflected that, an addition of BaO improves the studied properties of the glass samples; hence the reported glassy system can find applications in the areas of nuclear radiation-shielding.

New progress in development of ferroelectric and piezoelectric nanoceramics

There has been great progress in the last decade in the synthesis of nanopowders with highly controlled size and size distribution. Meanwhile, the development of an unconventional pressureless two-step sintering strategy enabling densification without grain growth provides a novel technology suitable for commercial production of nanograin ceramics. The particular interest concerning bulk dense nanograin ceramics is the manifestation of ferroelectricity, which remains a fundamental issue to be understood and exploited. Combining the best powder synthesis and optimized two-step sintering, high-density barium titanate (BT) and related nanograin ceramics have been fabricated to allow for a detailed determination of the size effect on nanometer-scale ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity of fundamental and industrial interest. These include dense ceramics of undoped BT with an average grain size down to 5 nm, and of (1−x)BiScO3−xPbTiO3 (BSPT) solid solutions with an average grain size down to 10 nm. Here we review the fabrication methods of high-density BT and BSPT nanoceramics and the major findings of the size effect on their microstructure, phase transition and electrical properties. Robust ferroelectricity is demonstrated for the first time in 5 nm BT nanoceramics, while strong local piezoelectricity is present in 10 nm BSPT nanoceramics.

A study of an estimation method for the adverse effects of the upper gastrointestinal series using high-density barium meal

A study of an estimation method for the adverse effects of the upper gastrointestinal series using high-density barium meal

Comparison Between Esophagography and Chest Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Leaks After Esophagectomy and Gastric Pull-through

To assess the diagnostic performance of esophagography and chest computed tomography (CT) for detecting leaks after esophagectomy and gastric pull-through. Our database revealed 29 patients who had undergone esophagography and chest CT after esophagectomy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for postoperative leaks were determined for esophagography and CT, separately and combined, on the basis of a retrospective image review. Patients were also stratified for esophagograms with water-soluble contrast alone versus water-soluble contrast and high-density barium and for CT with and without oral contrast. Our findings were retrospectively compared with those reported at initial image interpretation. Clinically relevant leaks were present in 14 (48%) of 29 patients after esophagectomy. Esophagography had a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 73%, PPV of 73%, and NPV of 79% for detecting leaks, whereas CT had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 33%, PPV of 55%, and NPV of 71% and esophagography and CT combined had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 27%, PPV of 56%, and NPV of 100%. The sensitivity of esophagography increased with high-density barium, whereas the sensitivity of CT was the same with and without oral contrast agent. Finally, esophagography and CT were seen to have a higher sensitivity and lower specificity on retrospective review compared with the results reported at initial image interpretation. Esophagography had a slightly lower sensitivity and substantially higher specificity compared with CT for detecting leaks after esophagectomy, whereas esophagography and CT combined had a sensitivity of 100% for detecting leaks. Therefore, postoperative leaks can be excluded with confidence after esophagectomy when both tests are negative.

高濃度硫酸バリウム・バリコンミールによる胃集団検診 バムスターSとの比較

高濃度硫酸バリウム・バリコンミールによる胃集団検診 バムスターSとの比較

SIG 13 Perspectives Vol. 21, No. 2, June 2012

SIG 13 Perspectives Vol. 21, No. 2, June 2012

Diagnostic Validity of High-Density Barium Sulfate in Gastric Cancer Screening: Follow-up of Screenees by Record Linkage with the Osaka Cancer Registry

BackgroundThe use of high-density barium sulfate was recommended by the Japan Society of Gastroenterological Cancer Screening (JSGCS) in 2004. We evaluated the diagnostic validity of gastric cancer screening that used high-density barium sulfate.MethodsThe study subjects were 171 833 residents of Osaka, Japan who underwent gastric cancer screening tests at the Osaka Cancer Prevention and Detection Center during the period from 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2001. Screening was conducted using either high-density barium sulfate (n = 48 336) or moderate-density barium sulfate (n = 123 497). The subjects were followed up and their medical records were linked to those of the Osaka Cancer Registry through 31 December 2002. The results of follow-up during 1 year were defined as the gold standard, and test performance values were calculated.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the screening test using moderate-density barium sulfate were 92.3% and 91.0%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the high-density barium test were 91.8% and 91.4%, respectively. The results of area under receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed no significant difference between the 2 screening tests.ConclusionsScreening tests using high- and moderate-density barium sulfate had similar validity, as determined by sensitivity, specificity, and ROC curve analysis.

Videofluorography swallow study of patients with systemic sclerosis

This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of the videofluorographic (VFG) swallow study in patients with systemic sclerosis. Over a 23-month period, 45 women (mean age 58 years, range 27-76 years) with a known diagnosis of systemic sclerosis and a history of dysphagia underwent a dynamic and morphological study of the oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal phases of swallowing with videofluorography. All examinations were performed with a remote-controlled digital C-arm device with 16-in image intensifier, 0.6- to 1.2-mm focal spot range and maximum tube voltage of 150 kVp in fluorography and 120 kVp in fluoroscopy. Cineradiographic sequences were acquired for the swallow study with 12 images per second and matrix 512 x 512 after the ingestion of boluses of high-density (250% weight/volume) barium. The evaluation of oesophageal peristalsis was documented with digital cineradiographic sequences with six images per second in the upright and supine positions during the swallowing of barium (60% weight/volume), and the water siphon test was performed with the patient in the supine position to evaluate the presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). All patients subsequently underwent laryngoscopy, endoscopy and pH monitoring, and the data thus obtained were processed and compared. The VFG swallow study identified alterations of epiglottal tilting associated with intraswallowing laryngeal penetration in 26 patients (57.8%), pooling of contrast agent in the valleculae and pyriform sinuses in 23 (51.1%) and radiographic signs of nonspecific hypertrophy of the lingual and/or palatine tonsils in 18 (40%). The study of the oesophageal phase revealed the presence of altered peristalsis in all patients, and in particular, 36 patients (80%) showed signs of atony. Altered oesophageal clearing mechanisms were evident in all 45 patients, sliding hiatus hernia in 43 (93%) and GORD in 44 (97%). Our study demonstrated that in patients with systemic sclerosis, there is no primary alteration of the oral or pharyngeal phase of swallowing. In addition, alterations of epiglottal tilting associated with laryngeal penetration of contrast agent were found to be secondary to chronic GORD. Indeed, in 40% of patients, radiographic signs were found that indicated nonspecific hypertrophy of the lingual tonsil and/or palatine tonsils and nonspecific signs of chronic pharyngeal inflammation, and GORD was identified in 93% of patients, which in 40% of cases extended to the proximal third of the oesophagus. The data obtained were confirmed in 85% of cases with pH monitoring and in all cases with laryngoscopy.

Multislice Helical CT in the Diagnosis of Pharyngovertebral Fistula Due to Loosening of Anterior Screw-Plate Construct

Late dysphagia is a rare condition that results from hardware failure in anterior spine surgery patients. Dysphagia should be evaluated to find out the possible underlying causes. A barium swallow study and multislice helical computed tomography (CT) scan were used to evaluate a patient suffering from dysphagia 8 months after an anterior cervical fusion of C4-C7 vertebrae. A videofluoroscopic swallow study with a low-viscosity, high-density barium solution and different table tilt levels for obtaining slow passage of the barium meal revealed the existence of an esophagovertebral fistula with 2 ostia: one at the contact side of the screw and the other at a lower level with a pouch around the plate. A multislice helical CT scan provided volumetric data and multiplanar reconstruction that enabled us to delineate the extent of the abscess along the plate through the paravertebral space. It also showed the fistula location and relation of the fistula to the displaced screw, as well as the thickened retroesophageal soft tissue. Anterior spinal surgery patients should be followed carefully for progressive dysphagia. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies and multislice helical CT scans are efficient and complementary tools in the evaluation of late dysphagia.

Diseases of the Esophagus: Diagnosis with Esophagography

The barium esophagram is a valuable diagnostic test for evaluating structural and functional abnormalities of the esophagus. The study is usually performed as a multiphasic examination that includes upright double-contrast views with a high-density barium suspension, prone single-contrast views with a low-density barium suspension, and, not infrequently, mucosal-relief views with either density of barium suspension. The double-contrast phase optimizes the ability to detect inflammatory or neoplastic diseases, whereas the single-contrast phase optimizes the ability to detect hiatal hernias and lower esophageal rings or strictures. Fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus is also important for assessing motility disorders such as achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm. This article is a review of gastroesophageal reflux disease, other types of esophagitis, benign and malignant esophageal tumors, varices, lower esophageal rings, diverticula, and esophageal motility disorders, all of which can be diagnosed with the aid of esophagography.

Colonoscopy detected colon polyps better than air contrast barium enema or computed tomographic colonography

Rockey DC, Paulson E, Niedzwiecki D, et al . Analysis of air contrast barium enema, computed tomographic colonography, and colonoscopy: prospective comparison. Lancet 2005;365:305–11. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q In patients...

Transient failure of opening of the lower oesophageal sphincter on upright oesophagrams: radiographic and clinical findings

The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency, radiographic features, and clinical importance of transient failure of opening of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) on upright double-contrast views of the oesophagus. A computerized search of radiology records identified 16 patients who had transient failure of opening of the LOS on upright views from biphasic oesophagrams or upper gastrointestinal tract examinations using high-density barium but normal opening of the LOS on prone views using low-density barium. The radiographic findings were reviewed and correlated with the clinical and manometric findings. In all cases, barium studies revealed tapered, beaklike narrowing of the distal oesophagus on upright double-contrast views, with a normal-appearing distal oesophagus, normal opening of the LOS, and intact peristalsis on prone single-contrast views. Only seven patients (44%) had dysphagia. Five of these patients had clinical follow-up, and the dysphagia improved or resolved without specific treatment for LOS dysfunction in four. The remaining patient had persistent dysphagia, but this individual had polymyositis as the likely cause for his dysphagia. Manometry revealed incomplete relaxation of the LOS in two patients and normal relaxation in one. Our experience suggests that failure of opening of the LOS may be observed as a transient finding of little clinical importance on upright double-contrast views of the oesophagus using high-density barium, with normal opening of the LOS on prone single-contrast views using low-density barium. It is important to be aware of this finding, so that it is not mistaken for achalasia or other abnormalities of the distal oesophagus.

The Impact of High-Density Barium Use in Double Contrast Radiographic Methods for Gastric Cancer Screening in Niigata, Japan

Use of high-density barium (= or > 180 w/v%) has been widely spread in community-based mass screening for gastric cancer in Japan. However, the impact on outcomes of the screening has not been fully evaluated. Then, we investigated the advantage of high-density barium use by comparing the outcomes between a period with high-density barium and that with low-density barium (< 180 w/v%) each for 3 consecutive years between 1991 and 2002 at 5 medical examination organizations in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and medical organization revealed that the introduction of high-density barium decreases the positive finding rate in initial mass screening x-ray examinations by 12% (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 - 0.90) and increase the gastric cancer detection rate by diagnostic examination by 15% (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.31). We conclude that introduction of high-density barium has improved the efficiency of mass screening for gastric cancer by decreasing unnecessary diagnostic examinations and reducing the total personal and public health costs. Thus, nationwide use of high-density barium is recommended for mass gastric cancer screening in Japan.

Barium sulphate aspiration

Correspondence to: Dr Kyoichi Kaira k-kaira@maebashi.jrc.or.jp An asymptomatic 70-year-old man had a barium swallow to screen for gastric cancer. During the examination, the patient aspirated high-density barium contrast medium (200% weight/volume) into his lungs. After 1 h, the patient developed fever, so doctors gave him faropenem 600 mg orally. Chest radiographs showed massive barium sulphate depositions in both lower lobes, middle lobe, and lingula (figure). 48 h later, he became dyspnoeic with worsening hypoxaemia (PaO2 57·2 mm Hg, PaCO2 32·1 mm Hg, breathing room air), and was transferred to our hospital. We treated him with intravenous meropenem 1 g/day and clindamycin 1200 mg/day, physical therapy with postural drainage, and oxygen. He recovered, and was discharged 7 days later. Aspiration of large amounts of barium sulphate is a rare incident during radiographic contrast procedures. In spite of the inert character of barium sulphate, the aspiration of highdensity barium is potentially life-threatening. Barium sulphate aspiration

The results of mass screenings for gastric cancer using high-density barium

The results of mass screenings for gastric cancer using high-density barium

高濃度バリウム・二重造影単独撮影法による胃集検効率化の可能性(第2報)

高濃度バリウム・二重造影単独撮影法による胃集検効率化の可能性(第2報)

Usefulness of high-density barium for detection of leaks after esophagogastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and total laryngectomy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of a high-density (250% weight/volume) barium compared with a water-soluble contrast agent for the detection of esophageal leaks in patients who had undergone esophagogastrectomy, total gastrectomy, or total laryngectomy. A search of our radiology database from 1998 to 2001 revealed 46 eligible radiographic studies performed using a water-soluble contrast agent alone or a water-soluble contrast agent followed by barium that showed leaks in patients who had undergone esophagogastrectomy, total gastrectomy, or total laryngectomy. The images were reviewed to determine the morphology of the leaks (i.e., blind-ending tracks, sealed-off collections, or free extravasation of contrast material). Medical records were also reviewed to determine whether detection of the leaks seen on the radiographic studies affected patient management. Of the 46 leaks seen on radiographic studies, 23 (50%) were detected with a water-soluble contrast agent and 23 (50%) were detected only with high-density barium. Of the 23 leaks visualized with water-soluble contrast media, six (26%) were characterized by blind-ending tracks, 14 (61%) by sealed-off collections, and three (13%) by free extravasation of contrast material into the mediastinum or neck. Of the 23 leaks visualized only with high-density barium, 19 (83%) were characterized by blind-ending tracks and four (17%) by sealed-off collections. Thus, leaks detected only on images obtained with high-density barium were significantly more likely to be characterized by blind-ending tracks than those detected on images obtained with a water-soluble contrast agent (p = 0.0007). Of the 33 patients with clinical follow-up, the findings seen on these imaging studies affected management in 12 (86%) of 14 patients with leaks depicted by water-soluble contrast media and in 10 (53%) of 19 with leaks depicted only by high-density barium. Our findings support the use of high-density barium as part of the routine postoperative radiographic examination when no leaks are detected on images obtained with a water-soluble contrast agent.

A possibility of efficient mass screening of stomach cancer by using new double contrast radiographic method with high-density barium.

A possibility of efficient mass screening of stomach cancer by using new double contrast radiographic method with high-density barium.