Which clinical variables predict an abnormal double-contrast barium enema result?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) is a common diagnostic tool.
• Understanding predictors of abnormal DCBE results is crucial for efficient patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between patient history, symptoms, objective findings, and abnormal DCBE results.
• To identify significant predictors for colon cancer detection via DCBE.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 794 outpatients undergoing DCBE.
• Physicians collected pre-procedure data on patient history, symptoms, and objective findings, including complete blood count, stool hemoccult, and sigmoidoscopy.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors.

Main Results:

• 18.6% of DCBEs were abnormal; polyps (8.8%) and colon cancer (2.9%) were most frequent.
• Symptoms alone did not correlate with abnormal findings or colon cancer.
• Abnormal sigmoidoscopy, iron deficiency anemia, positive stool hemoccult, and relevant history were significant predictors of colon cancer.

Conclusions:

• Patient symptoms alone are insufficient to predict abnormal DCBE results.
• Objective indicators significantly enhance the prediction of abnormal DCBE findings, especially for colon cancer detection.