Barium follow through studies
Barium follow through is the most widely used radiological investigation for malabsorption. After adequate bowel preparation - overnight fast, laxative - large films of the abdomen are taken half-hourly until the barium reaches the terminal ileum, at which, enhanced films are taken.
Abnormalities commonly detected include:
- multiple strictures - Crohn's disease
- extensive mucosal oedema and wall thickening - radiation enteritis
- duodenal and jejunal diverticulae - small bowel contamination
- coarse mucosal folds with contrast in fluid-filled loops of small bowel - coeliac disease
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