SOME RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST EXAMINATIONS

Compiled by Yamah Princewill

Radiographic contrast examinations are diagnostic imaging procedures that involve the use of
contrastagents to enhance the visibility of certain structures or organs in the body. Here are
some common radiographic contrast examinations:

1. Barium Swallow: This is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Barium sulfate is ingested, and X-ray images are taken as the contrast material moves
through the digestive system.
2. Barium follow-through: Barium follow-through is an X-ray examination of the small
intestine. It involves swallowing a contrast material containing barium, which coats the
lining of the intestine. X-ray images are then taken at timed intervals as the barium
passes through the small intestine, aiding in identifying obstructions, strictures, or
abnormalities.
3. Barium meal: A barium meal is an X-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract,
including the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The
patient drinks a contrast material containing barium, which coats the lining of these
organs. X-rays are then taken to
4. Barium Enema: This procedure is used to examine the large intestine and rectum.
Barium sulfate is inserted into the rectum, and X-ray images are taken as the contrast
material outlines the colon.
5. Hysterosalpingography: This is used to evaluate the female reproductive system,
specifically the uterus and fallopian tubes. A contrast material is injected into the uterus,
and X-ray images are taken as the dye outlines the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
6. Intravenous Pyelography (IVP): This is used to examine the urinary system, including
the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. A contrast material is injected intravenously, and X-
ray images are taken as the dye is excreted through the urine, providing detailed
visualization of the urinary tract.
7. Arteriography: This is used to visualize blood vessels in specific areas of the body. A
contrast material is injected directly into an artery, and X-ray images are taken to study
blood flow and identify any abnormalities or blockages.
8. MCUG (Micturating Cystourethrogram): It is a radiographic examination of the bladder
and urethra. A contrast material is injected into the bladder, and X-ray images are taken
during urination to study the anatomy and functionality of the urinary system, especially
in cases of urinary reflux or bladder outlet obstruction.
9. RUG (Retrograde Urethrogram): This is a radiographic study specifically focused on the
urethra. A contrast material is introduced through the urethra via a catheter, and X-ray
images are captured to evaluate any abnormalities like strictures, trauma, or congenital
malformations.
10. Intravenous Urogram: A urogram is an X-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters, and
bladder. It involves the injection of a contrast material into a blood vessel, usually the
arm, which helps visualize the urinary tract to identify conditions such as kidney stones,
tumors, or blockages.
11. Arthrogram: This procedure involves injecting a contrast agent into a joint, such as the
shoulder, knee, or hip. It helps evaluate the joint's structure, such as ligaments, tendons,
and cartilage, and can aid in diagnosing conditions like tears or inflammation.
12. Angiography: Angiography involves injecting a contrast agent into blood vessels to
visualize the cardiovascular system. It helps diagnose conditions like blockages,
aneurysms, or malformations in the arteries or veins.
13. Fistulography: This procedure is used to evaluate abnormal connections between
organs or structures. A contrast material is injected into the fistula or abnormal passage,
and X-ray images are taken to diagnose and plan treatment for these conditions.
14. Venography: This procedure is used to examine the veins, typically in the lower
extremities. A contrast material is injected into a vein, and X-ray images are taken to
diagnose conditions like deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins.
15. Myelography: This procedure is used to examine the spinal cord and nerve roots. A
contrast material is injected into the spinal canal, and X-ray images are taken as the dye
 spreads through the spinal fluid, providing detailed images of the spinal cord and nerve
roots.
16. Cholangiography: This is used to visualize the bile ducts. A contrast material is injected
directly into the bile ducts, and X-ray images are taken as the dye flows through the
ducts, helping to identify any blockages or abnormalities.
17. Sialography: This is used to examine the salivary glands and ducts. A contrast material is
injected into the salivary ducts, and X-ray images are taken to evaluate the structure
and function of the glands.
18. Cystography: Cystography is a radiographic examination that involves injecting a
contrast agent into the bladder to evaluate its structure and function. It helps diagnose
conditions like bladder tumors, urinary reflux, or bladder trauma.
19. Cholecystogram: A cholecystogram is an X-ray of the gallbladder. It involves the
ingestion or injection of a contrast material that helps visualize the gallbladder and its
drainage system, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like gallstones or inflammation.
20. Esophagram: An esophagram is an X-ray examination of the esophagus. It uses a
contrast material that the patient swallows, allowing the visualization of the esophagus
to evaluate problems like narrowing, strictures, or abnormal movements.
21. Retrograde Pyelogram: It is a radiographic study of the renal pelvis and ureters. It
involves the injection of a contrast material through a catheter inserted into the ureters
via the bladder, enabling the visualization of the upper urinary tract to identify
obstructions, tumors, or other abnormalities.
22. Bronchiography: Bronchiography is a diagnostic procedure that involves the injection of
a contrast material into the airways (bronchi) of the lungs. X-ray images are then taken
to identify any abnormalities like narrowing, blockages, or lesions.
23. Discography: Discography is a procedure used to diagnose conditions related to
intervertebral discs in the spine. A contrast material is injected into the targeted disc,
and X-ray images or CT scans are taken to identify disc abnormalities like herniation,
degeneration, or tears.
24. Pneumoencephalogram: This is an old technique rarely used today. It involves injecting
a contrast material into the spinal canal to visualize the brain's ventricular system and
the subarachnoid space. It was once utilized to diagnose conditions like tumors or
hydrocephalus.
25. Teleroentgenogram: Teleroentgenogram refers to a technique used to acquire long-
length X-ray images of the skeletal system. It involves standing the patient or the body
part of interest against a special cassette, capturing an image that displays the entire
length of the body segment being examined.
26. Lymphangiogram: Lymphangiogram is a radiographic procedure used to visualize the
lymphatic system. A contrast material is injected into a lymphatic vessel, usually in the
foot or hand, and X-rays are taken to study the flow and integrity of the lymphatic
vessels, assisting in the diagnosis of lymphatic disorders.