The radiological investigation of the small intestine in tropical idiopathic malabsorption

Summary

• 1.

  Radiographic evidence of increased calibre or of thickened mucosal folds in the small intestine has been found in 32 per cent of all cases referred for barium-meal examinations in this hospital.

• 2.

  A high percentage of such cases suffers from idiopathic malabsorption of essential foods (fat, sugar, vitamins).

• 3.

  Minor degrees of flocculation patterns and of alterations in mucosal patterns are described.

• 4.

  The importance of distinguishing between constantly dilated loops of gut due to minor organic structures and increased calibre due to motor disorder is stressed. Repeat examinations may be essential and laparotomy may be justified as a diagnostic final court of appeal in some cases.

• 5.

  Abnormalities of peristalsis and transit time are described.

• 6.

  The possible causes of the above radiographic signs are discussed.

• 7.

  Ninety per cent of cases finally diagnosed as idiopathic malabsorption or sprue-like disorder show radiographic signs.