Jejunal fold separation in adult celiac disease: relevance of enteroclysis.

The number of folds in the proximal jejunum was measured retrospectively in 25 studies of patients with adult celiac disease and 75 control subjects. The average number of folds per inch of proximal jejunum in the group with celiac disease was 2.88 (none to five), as against 4.88 (three to seven) in the controls. The difference was less pronounced in the distal ileum. A "mosaic pattern" was demonstrated in three patients. Positive radiologic evidence of celiac disease could be elicited in 76% of the patients' studies. Demonstration of five or more folds in the jejunum and/or three or fewer folds in the ileum would have been evidence against a diagnosis of celiac disease in 67 of the 75 controls. Indications for the use of radiography in celiac disease are reassessed.