Sciascopy

Sciascopy is a diagnostic and interventional radiological method that uses dynamic imaging of an X-ray image (e.g. for imaging peristalsis of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, observation of respiratory movements or heart pulsation). To reduce the radiation load, a pulse mode is used, where the image is created e.g. 4 times per second (not continuously) and low mAs values ​​with automatic kerm power control.

Examination Types
Monocontrast – Use of only positive contrast material (this method is mainly used in children).

Double- contrast – Use of positive and negative contrast material.

For women of childbearing age, the effort is to follow the so-called 10-day rule. The examination is performed during the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle, when higher doses of radiation are applied to the abdominal area.

Types of Contrast Agents
Negative - air (irrigography), methylcellulose (enteroclysis).

Positive - barium suspension, iodine contrast agents.

Methods in Sciascopy
The fluoroscopy methods include:


 * X-ray examination of the digestive tract: X-ray of the esophagus, videofluoroscopy , X- ray of the stomach , X- ray passage , enteroclysis , irrigography , defecography , introduction of stents under X-ray control.
 * Urinary tract examination and intervention: ureterocystography, insertion of a pig-tail catheter.
 * Fistulography: injecting the mouth fistula or drain with a contrast agent.
 * Diaphragm sciascopy: diagnosis of diaphragmatic paresis.
 * Sciascopy of the lungs: differentiation of a nodule in the lung parenchyma from extraparenchymal lesions or summations.
 * Cholangiography: intraoperative, T-drain, PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography) , ERCP.

X-ray of the esophagus: tumorous stenosis

T-drain cholangiography: choledocholithiasis

Links

 * Radiodiagnostics portal

Resources

 * Principle of skiagraphy, fluoroscopy, CT and angiography (Lucie Dohnalová, MD, Brno University Hospital)

Related Articles

 * Diagnostic imaging methods in the examination of the digestive tract
 * Diagnostic imaging methods in the examination of the gallbladder and bile ducts
 * Radiodiagnostic examination of the urinary tract
 * X-ray (physics)