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Barium enema examination: sensitivity in detecting colonic polyps and carcinomas
D J Ott1, E S Scharling, Y M Chen
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Southern Medical Journal
|February 1, 1989
Summary
The barium enema examination shows 88% overall sensitivity for detecting colonic polyps and carcinomas. Double-contrast barium enema is more effective for smaller polyps, especially in patients under 70.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
Background:
- Colorectal polyps and carcinomas require accurate detection for timely intervention.
- Barium enema examination is a widely used diagnostic tool for evaluating the colon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the sensitivity of barium enema examination in detecting colonic polyps and carcinomas.
- To evaluate factors influencing barium enema sensitivity, including patient age, indications, and examination type.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 128 patients with 191 endoscopically proven colonic lesions.
- Comparison of single-contrast and double-contrast barium enema sensitivity.
- Assessment of detection rates based on patient age and lesion size.
Main Results:
- Overall roentgenographic sensitivity was 88%.
- Sensitivity was higher in patients under 70 (93%) versus older patients (76%).
- Double-contrast barium enema (91%) outperformed single-contrast (82%), particularly for smaller polyps (88% vs. 70%).
Conclusions:
- Barium enema examination is a reliable, cost-effective, and safer alternative to colonoscopy for detecting colonic neoplasms.
- Double-contrast technique enhances polyp detection, especially for smaller lesions.
- Patient age influences the diagnostic accuracy of barium enema.