Intestinal lymphangiectasia: value of double-contrast radiographic study

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disorder presenting as enteric protein loss through the dilated lymphatics without mucosal ulceration. To determine the double-contrast radiographic features and to assess the significance of them, five patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia were examined using single- and double-contrast small intestinal studies. The double-contrast examinations demonstrated clearly the main radiographic findings of smooth nodular protrusions, thickening of the mucosal folds, with no evidence of mucosal ulceration. Compared with the single-contrast study, smooth nodular protrusions were seen more often and in more widespread segments, particularly in the duodenum, on double-contrast study. Thickening of the mucosal folds was revealed similarly by both methods. Double-contrast study appears to be worthwhile to demonstrate the characteristic radiographic findings of this disease.