The value of opacification of the esophagus by low density barium paste in computer tomography of the thorax.

A 3% barium paste was used in the CT evaluation of 100 normal and 60 abnormal esophagi. Successful esophageal opacification occurred in 87% of both groups. In cases of extrinsic disease involving the esophagus the contrast medium administration assisted in separating the esophagus from adjacent mass lesions, as well as identifying displacement, compression, proximal dilatation, and length of involvement. In cases of esophageal carcinoma the contrast medium administration assisted in the measurement of wall thickness and length of the lesion as well as identification of the site of origin of the tumor. The contrast medium was simple to administer, well tolerated, and did not produce scan artifacts.