Fred has been experiencing recurring episodes of heartburn, especially when he bends over to lace his shoes or when he lies down
in bed. His physician believes Fred may have a hiatal hernia. To confirm this diagnosis, she has scheduled Fred for a “barium swallow.” In this test, a barium-containing fluid that blocks x-rays is swallowed so that the stomach appears as a bright mass in a radiograph. If Fred has a hiatal hernia, what should the radiologist see on the radiograph? Can you explain what caused the symptoms that brought Fred in to see his physician?
A hiatus hernia is a disorder in which a portion of the stomach protrudes into the lower chest due to a weakening diaphragm.
Explanation:
The majority of hiatus hernias are discovered by chance during a routine chest x - ray or CT scan. Hiatus hernia might present on a radiographic as a retrocardiac bulge with or without air liquid surface. Because the gastric fundus was seen to be moved across the diaphragm, it was diagnosed as a retrocardiac tumour. Hiatus hernia is indicated by the presence of air liquid in this mass.
