Gastrointestinal Radiology > Procedures > Barium Swallow > Conventional (3)


Barium Swallow: the hypopharynx & cervical esophagus (cont.)

The AP Projection

  1. Repeat the rapid sequence (4/sec) recording procedure as for the lateral view but with the patient in the AP projection. Make sure that the patient is in a true AP projection. Also, make sure that the patient's chin is elevated enough that the valleculae are not hidden by the mandible.  Use 12" FOV.

  2. Obtain a single AP spot image of the distended hypopharynx, while the patient phonates "EEEEE'. Zoom to 6" or 9" FOV.

AP view of the barium-coated pharynx and hypopharynx obtained during phonation demonstrates normal anatomy but also aspiration of barium into the larynx and trachea.