Double-contrast examination of the esophagus

A simple technique for double-contrast esophagography is described. The technique involves successive swallows of an excellent coating barium mixture and water to create the double contrast effect. Clinical and radiologic situations in which double contrast esophagography have proven helpful include: (a) the detection of small esophageal tumors; (b) delineation of the morphologic features of neoplastic and inflammatory disease; and (c) assessment of the total vertical extent of esophageal disease. Accurate and/or confident diagnosis is aided considerably with double-contrast esophagography.