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Dysphagia is a common symptom from the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus, and its causes may be morphological or functional. A biphasic barium swallow is the best way of evaluating these patients. Using a careful clinical history, and by tailoring the examination to the individual case, the radiologist is usually able to pinpoint the cause of the patient's complaints and suggest further diagnostic procedures and treatment.

A retrospective study of 98 patients representing 104 instances of intussusception is reviewed. Criteria for inclusion in the study were: the patients primary admitted to the department of diagnostic radiology, plain abdominal radiographs performed prior to barium enema (BE) and/or surgery and diagnosis confirmed by BE or surgery. A success rate of BE reduction of 58.6% was achieved. The clinical features are described and the value of plain abdominal radiograph in ruling out the diagnosis of intussusception is discussed.

Experiences of the diagnosis and treatment of 41 patients with intussusception are presented. The most common signs and symptoms upon presentation were vomiting (83%), colicky pain (83%), rectal bleeding (66%) and abdominal mass (51%). All four features occurred together in only 20% of cases. Ultrasound was the primary mode of investigation in four children, giving a finding characteristic of intussusception. 27 patients were examined with barium enema, and hydrostatic reduction was tried. A barium enema gave the correct diagnosis on all cases and a successful reduction of sign and symptoms in 12 patients (44%). In the other 29 cases laparotomy was performed to achieve reduction, primarily in 14 patients and after an unsuccessful barium edema in 15.84% of the patients presenting after a delay of more than 24 hours needed surgery, compared with 59% of those presenting earlier.