Friday, May 24, 2013

Barium enema

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Lower gastrointestinal series; Lower GI series


Normal Values

Barium should fill the colon evenly, showing normal bowel shape and position and no blockages.


What abnormal results mean

Abnormal test results may be a sign of:

  • Acute appendicitis
  • Colitis due to Crohn's disease
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Colorectal polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Twisted loop of the bowel (volvulus)
  • Ulcerative colitis

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

  • Hirschsprung's disease
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Intussusception

Review Date: 12/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)