The results of single contrast barium enema were retrospectively correlated with colonoscopically diagnosed colorectal disease in 54 patients (75 lesions). Altogether 66 lesions (88%) were correctly diagnosed. The sensitivity of barium enema for polyps was 81% (26/32). There were three perceptive errors and three polyps 5 mm or less in size were not demonstrated by barium enema. Twenty-nine cases of inflammatory disorders were all correctly diagnosed. One of 12 malignancies was missed by perceptive error. In two cases with vascular malformations the barium enema was normal. 4/9 (44%) of missed lesions were perceptive errors and could have been probably avoided by a second independent reading of films.
Barium Sulfate Colonic Diseases