IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE - ENDOSCOPIC-RADIOLOGIC CORRELATION

PURPOSE: To assess the comparative and adjunctive diagnostic value of double-contrast barium enema examination (DCBE) and colonoscopy in cas es of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ra diographic and endoscopic findings were correlated, with use of a stan dardized evaluation sheet, in a prospective, blinded study in 99 patie nts with previously well-established Crohn disease of the colon (CD [n = 51]) or ulcerative colitis (UC [n = 481]). RESULTS: Overall, substa ntial to almost perfect agreement was found in more than 80% of scores with respect to the items of the standardized evaluation sheet in the colon segments depicted with both imaging modalities. Almost perfect agreement (K > 60%) was found for two essential diagnostic and differe ntial diagnostic features: aphthoid erosions and fine granularity. CON CLUSION: DCBE and colonoscopy are complementary imaging modalities for optimal detection of all mucosal and structural colon lesions, except inflammatory lesions without distortion of the mucosal relief and sma ll numbers of inflamed superficial erosions and ulcers.