Question

Which wall of heart enlargement can be seen on barium swallow in patient with mitral stenosis-

• A. Left atrium
• B. Right atrium
• C. Left ventricle
• D. Right ventricle

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of a patient with mitral stenosis, the heart chamber that enlarges and can be observed during a barium swallow examination is the left atrium. Mitral stenosis hinders the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, leading to increased pressure and volume in the left atrium. This pressure increase causes the left atrium to dilate or enlarge. During a barium swallow test, the esophagus is outlined, allowing any posterior cardiac enlargement, such as the left atrium, to be visualized. Therefore, in a patient with mitral stenosis, the enlargement of the left atrium is typically seen on a barium swallow study.

The correct heart wall to observe for enlargement in this context is:

• Left atrium