Esophagram PA/PA oblique

Question 1

• What positions would be used to best demonstrate the esophagus and why are they preferred?

Answer 1

RAO is best to get esophagus off vertebrae, between heart shadow and vertebral column

Question 2

• How much is the patient oblique?

Answer 2

35-45 degrees

Question 3

• What is the central ray location?

Answer 3

Level of T5-T6, 2” lateral of MSP on elevated side for RAO

Question 4

If the esophagus is over vertebral column, what error was made?

Answer 4

Under rotated