Salmonella colitis: assessment with double-contrast barium enema examination in seven patients

To completely rule out the possibility of ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and other diseases, the authors analyzed the radiographic findings at double-contrast barium enema examination performed in seven patients with colitis caused by Salmonella organisms. In all patients, bacteriologic confirmation of nontyphoid Salmonella infection and radiographs of the upper gastrointestinal tract were obtained. Total colonoscopy was performed in five patients and sigmoidoscopy in one patient. In all patients, the radiographic findings were retrospectively analyzed. The descending colon and sigmoid colon were affected in six patients, whereas the rectum was affected in none. The findings included fine mucosal granularity (seven patients), loss of haustration (six patients), many fine ulcerations (five patients), and multiple ulcers (two patients). The radiographic features simulated those of ulcerative colitis, except for absence of rectal abnormality. It is concluded that double-contrast barium enema examination is useful for detection of fine mucosal changes.