CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A patient with a history of a gastric ulcer would best be evaluated with which fluoroscopy procedure?

1. Single contrast upper GI series

2. Double contrast upper GI series

3. CT enterography

4. Endoscopic ultrasound

The correct answer is: Double contrast upper GI series

The evaluation of a patient with a history of a gastric ulcer is best conducted using a double contrast upper GI series. This procedure involves the use of both barium sulfate and air contrast, which provides enhanced visualization of the gastric mucosa and allows for detailed examination of any ulcerations or abnormalities present in the lining of the stomach. The double contrast technique is particularly useful because it creates a clearer outline of the gastric structures, highlighting the contours of the stomach walls and allowing radiologists to detect subtle lesions, such as ulcers. The air contrast expands the stomach, which further improves the visibility of the mucosal surface. Other methods, like the single contrast upper GI series, do not provide the same level of detail in visualizing the stomach's internal structures, making it less effective for diagnosing issues related to gastric ulcers. CT enterography, while useful for small bowel assessment, does not specifically focus on the stomach’s surface details. Lastly, endoscopic ultrasound is typically used for assessing deeper gastrointestinal structures rather than for broad surface evaluations of gastric ulcers. Thus, the double contrast upper GI series stands out as the most appropriate choice for evaluating this specific condition.