[Radiological double contrast features of early lesions in Crohn's colitis (author's transl)].

We have performed 131 double contrast barium enemas in 81 cases of granulomatous colitis or ileocolitis. 53 cases showed "early lesions": Inflammatory mucosa, lymphoid hyperplasia, aphtoid or varioliform ulcers and primary complexes. In 39% "early lesions" were the only granulomatous lesions of the colon. Several types of "early lesions" may appear in the same patient. 18 patients were subjected to a series of double contrast barium enemas. The lesions progressed in 12 cases and regressed in 6 cases. "Early lesions" may develop into segmental coblestone pattern. The radiological findings were confirmed by endoscopy or operation in 91% of our cases. A perfect double contrast barium enema is necessary to detect these "early lesions" which are important for diagnosis, treatment and possibly even for the prognosis in this disease.