The radiologic demonstration of early changes in ulcerative colitis by double contrast technique.

The double contrast technique can be applied safely to the investigation of patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease. The early changes of mucosal hyperemia and edema can be detected when the colon has been adequately cleansed. The extent and distribution of disease can be mapped with precision. This is of considerable importance in the differential diagnosis between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis and in the choice of appropriate treatment. Even in early stages of the disease there is a high correlation between the radiographic abnormalities and the endoscopic findings.