Barium follow through studies

Barium follow through is the most widely used radiological investigation for malabsorption. After adequate bowel preparation - overnight fast, laxative - large films of the abdomen are taken half-hourly until the barium reaches the terminal ileum, at which, enhanced films are taken.

Abnormalities commonly detected include:

• multiple strictures - Crohn's disease
• extensive mucosal oedema and wall thickening - radiation enteritis
• duodenal and jejunal diverticulae - small bowel contamination
• coarse mucosal folds with contrast in fluid-filled loops of small bowel - coeliac disease