Radiological studies on the upper digestive tract in Tanzanians at Mwanza

Among 462 barium meals performed in rural Tanzanians in 1973-1974 121 pathological lesions were diagnosed. The principal were peptic ulcer in 59 patients, duodenitis in 20, serious gastritis in 10, carcinoma of the stomach in nine and of the oesophagus in seven. Peptic ulcer was most prevalent in young adults. The frequency of duodenitis was associated with invasion by parasitic worms. The social factors in the prevalence of peptic ulcer are discussed. Gastroptosis was a very common finding in patients with stomach complaints.