CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

When is a follow through of the small bowel considered complete?

1. When the barium reaches the pyloric valve

2. When the barium reaches the cecum

3. When the barium reaches the ileocecal junction

4. When the barium is absorbed in the jejunum

The correct answer is: When the barium reaches the ileocecal junction

A follow-through of the small bowel is considered complete when the barium reaches the ileocecal junction. This junction is where the small intestine (ileum) connects to the large intestine (cecum). In the context of a small bowel follow-through, the radiologist is specifically interested in observing the progress of the contrast agent (barium) throughout the entire small intestine, which consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, before it enters the large intestine. Reaching the ileocecal junction signifies that the barium has traveled through the entirety of the small bowel, allowing for the assessment of any abnormalities or pathologies present. Evaluating the entire length of the small bowel is critical, as it can help identify issues such as obstructions, tumors, or inflammatory bowel diseases. Other points along the digestive tract, such as the pyloric valve or cecum, do not represent the completion of the small bowel examination because they either do not mark the entry point of barium into the large intestine or are not indicative of the entirety of the small bowel being evaluated.