Published online Sep 15, 1996. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v2.i3.144
Revised: July 4, 1996
Accepted: August 10, 1996
Published online: September 15, 1996
AIM: To analyze the radiological features of ulcerative diseases of the small bowel.
METHODS: Thirty-five patients (20 men and 15 women) with inflammatory ulcerative bowel diseases were studied by radiography (barium meal and/or double contrast study). Patient diseases included eleven cases of tuberculosis (TB), thirteen cases of Crohn’s disease, seven cases of bowel Behcet disease, two cases of simple ulcers, and two cases of ischemic bowel disease. Diagnosis was established pathologically in 33 cases and by clinical observation after therapy in two cases.
RESULTS: The lesions were located in the ileum of 82% of TB cases, 77% of Crohn’s disease cases, 71% of bowel Behcet disease cases, 50% of simple ulcer cases, and 100% of ischemic bowel disease cases. Ulceration was always present with variable appearances. Longitudinal ulcers, and fissures were noted in Crohn’s disease only. There were five cases of large and deep ulcers, three of which were bowel Behcet disease. Superficial and irregular ulcers were present in ten TB cases, and , and transverse ulcers were identified in two TB cases.
CONCLUSION: The morphological appearances of the ulcer, surrounding mucosal alterations, and bowel deformation were the basis for the radiological diagnosis. Correct diagnosis was dependent on optimal X-ray examination techniques and proper interpretation of the morphological changes.