A critical look at the accuracy of endoscopy and double-contrast radiography of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract in patients with substantial UGI hemorrhage.

Double-contrast radiography and endoscopy were compared in a prospective study of 100 patients with substantial hemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract. Endoscopy enabled detection of the primary bleeding site in 93% of the patients and correct diagnosis of 91% of all UGI lesions present. Double-contrast radiography detected 80% of primary bleeding sites and 76% of all UGI lesions present; whether the double-contrast examination was performed before or after endoscopy did not change its ability to detect lesions. Radiography demonstrated 68% (esophagitis) to 86% (duodenitis) of all superficial lesions. Endoscopy missed lesions in the duodenum and esophagus most frequently, while double-contrast radiography missed lesions in the esophagus most frequently. With the two modalities combined, the overall diagnostic accuracy for all lestions was 99%. Endoscopy and double-contrast radiography are complementary techniques for detecting acute bleeding sites of the UGI tract.