The incidence and reliability of individual radiographic signs in the small intestine in crohn's disease

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease. A continuing source of error.

“…More than one-third had radiographic signs which were inconclusive. An evaluation of the incidence and observer error in interpretation of the commonly accepted radiographic changes of Crohn's disease showed that only contraction and rigidity of the bowel wall were frequent and reliable signs in spot films and that many of the other signs could be detected in cases with various malabsorption syndromes (Dyer, Rutherford, Visick, and Dawson, 1970). Thus it is essential that the radiologist should repeat the examination in all cases of doubt before sentencing any patient; with a diagnosis of a chronic relapsing disease.…”