The modified Malmö double-contrast barium enema in colitis: an assessment of its accuracy in reflecting sigmoidoscopic findings

The double-contrast barium enema examinations (D.C.E) of 125 patients, consisting of 63 with normal sigmoidoscopies and 62 with sigmoidoscopic proctitis were studied without knowledge of the diagnosis in order to assess the accuracy of the D.C.E. in reflecting sigmoidoscopic findings. The state of the rectal mucosa was assessed correctly in 121 of 125 patients, an over-all error rate of 3·2 per cent. The importance of this high degree of accuracy is discussed. Incidental to these observations the recto-sacral distance, rectal calibre and presence or absence of Houston's valves were recorded.