There are a number of normal oesophageal contours or impressions that are encountered when performing a barium swallow. It is important to be able to differentiate normal contours and their variants, as well as contours that may indicate disease. Below is a list of anatomical structures that may be seen in a normal barium swallow:
- cricopharyngeus muscle (cricopharyngeal bar)
- aorta
- left main bronchus
- left atrium
Anatomical variants
- aberrant right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria)
- aberrant left pulmonary artery