Visualization of the areae gastricae in a double contrast examination - dependence on the contrast medium

Visualization of the areae gastricae, a criterion of high resolution in the double contrast examination of the stomach, was studied with several barium preparation. Visualization of the areae gastricae varied among different contrast media, some gave excellent visualization while others were regularly inadequate. In general, contrast suspensions prepared from powder in the X-ray department gave better results than commercial suspensions, which retained many gas bubbles. The importance of the contrast medium selection for a high resolution double contrast examination of the stomach is emphasized.