Correlation of endoscopy and double-contrast radiography in the early stages of ulcerative and granulomatous colitis.

Early radiological changes in ulcerative colitis include (a) finely granular mucosa due to hyperemia and edema, (b) mucosal stippling due to adherence of barium to superficial ulcers, and (c) coarsely granular mucosa due to ingrowth of granulation tissue. In granulomatous colitis, early changes include discrete, superficial ulcers, often against a background of normal mucosa, seen best en face. All of these changes can be demonstrated by the double-contrast technique. The radiological and endoscopic findings were in agreement in 95% of the examinations in the authors' series. The importance of the technical aspects of the examination is stressed.