Morning or afternoon barium meal? Diurnal variation and the effectiveness of gastric mucosal coating during double-contrast studies.
The radiographs of 60 patients having double-contrast barium meal examinations were analysed by a linear analogue technique to assess variation in the quality of mucosal coating between morning and afternoon studies. No significant difference (P greater than 0.5) was found between morning and afternoon gastric mucosal coating. Factors that could in theory contribute to a diurnal variation are discussed. We conclude that afternoon DCBMs can be confidently booked and performed, in the knowledge that their diagnostic quality is not impaired.
Massoud
T F
TF
Department of Radiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
Nolan
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005215:Fasting; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors
D001466:Barium Sulfate