European society of paediatric radiology abdominal task force procedural recommendations for upper gastrointestinal contrast fluoroscopy studies in children.

Contrast fluoroscopy of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract has become less common in the last decades, mainly due to the development of endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging methods. However, it remains an important imaging technique offering real-time dynamic acquisitions of the upper GI tract with a high temporal and spatial resolution and the ability to adjust the position of the child appropriately, thus being valuable and irreplaceable for addressing specific clinical queries such as tracheoesophageal fistula, aspiration, strictures, oesophageal injuries, hernias, achalasia, post-operative leaks, and duodenal anatomy. Therefore, junior radiologists should continue to seek and maintain expertise in performing and interpreting contrast fluoroscopy studies. The aim of this paper is to present a practical approach to contrast fluoroscopy of the upper GI tract in children, focused on its normal radiological anatomy and physiology. It lists current indications for the upper GI series and provides a list of indications where alternative imaging techniques have replaced fluoroscopy. Finally, basic hands-on procedural recommendations are presented.