The normal mucosal surface pattern of the duodenal bulb: radiologic-histologic correlation.

Similar to the stomach and colon, the duodenum also demonstrates a fine mucosal relief pattern on double-contrast radiographic examination. Two patterns may be identified--fine reticular and "small dot." In order to investigate the origin of these patterns, duodenal bulb specimens were obtained at autopsy, and macroscopic and microscopic features were correlated with radiographic patterns. Findings indicate that the surface patterns identified radiographically on cadaveric specimens and in live patient subjects are due to villi and the collections of barium within the intervening sulci. Knowledge of this normal pattern will prevent misdiagnoses, especially when inflammatory disease of the duodenum is being considered.