Causes of error in gastrointestinal radiology. I. Upper gastrointestinal examination.

This paper explores the causes of errors on upper gastrointestinal studies. Of 129 ulcers and neoplasms seen endoscopically, 14 were unreported radiologically, representing false negative errors. The most common type of error was failure to note a lesion rendered poorly visible by an inadequate examination. Contributing technical failures included insufficient films, poor coating, poor compression films, retained food and secretions, and badly exposed films. Perceptive failures included both misinterpretation and failure to note a lesion. Among 10 false positive errors, barium between distorted folds simulating an ulcer occurred most commonly.