Clinical Applications of Successive Spot Radiographs in Esopha-gography for Diagnosing the Early Esophageal Cancer

摘要

Objective: To introduce primary experience of clinical applications of successive spot radiographs in esophagography for the diagnosis of early esophageal cancer (EEC). Methods: Six patients with EEC were examined and diagnosed by a digital X-ray machine. According to the routine double contrast study of esophagus, the patient gulped a barium suspension in the upright position when the successive films were taken by 2 frames per second lasting for about 10 seconds. Various phases were obtained including barium-filled views, mucosal relief views and double contrast views. Results: Functional changes and abnormal mucosal folds of esophagus were present on successive spot radiographs of esophagography in patients with EEC and those patients with EEC were confirmed by endoscopic and pathologic findings. Four patients had mild loss of distensibility, 2 patients had spasmodic contraction and 1 patient had barium retention.Thickened or interrupted folds were found in all cases. Little niches were detected in 5 of 6 patients. Conclusion: Evidence presented in barium studies of esophagus is more comprehensive and intact for the diagnosis of EEC when successive spot radiographs are employed. Functional changes of esophagus are more evident with this approach.