Radiology of the Esophagus: Barium, Computed Tomography Scan, Positron Emission Tomography Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Although multimodality imaging plays an essential role in the staging of esophageal neoplasia, it is less helpful for the evaluation of common esophageal symptoms, such as dysphagia, regurgitation, and heartburn, than the barium esophagram. Therefore this chapter begins by describing the essential techniques, normal findings, and common artifacts of the esophagram. Subsequently, the utility of the esophagram is discussed in the settings of gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal motility disorders, postoperative esophagus, and esophageal neoplasms (a discussion of the role of cross-sectional imaging, especially positron emission tomography, for esophageal tumor staging is included in this section). Finally, miscellaneous conditions such as hiatal hernias, esophageal rings and webs, less common types of esophageal strictures, caustic injury, and esophageal perforation, diverticula, and varices are discussed and illustrated.