Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of double contrast barium meal examination with endoscopy in diagnosis of peptic ulcer

Aim: to see whether the double contrast barium meal examination can be used as diagnostic or screening tool or for both purposes. methods: this comparative study was carried out in the radiology department and endoscopy unit of cmh,multan from january 2010 to december 2012. a total of 150 patients with strong history of acid peptic disease and referred to radiology department for dcmb examination from surgery or medicine outpatient or inpatient department were included in the study. results: the potential accuracy of double contrast barium meal is 86% of endoscopy. the dcbm is considered to be the best screening and diagnostic tool while endoscopy should be reserved for those cases who have equivocal results on dcbm or who need therapeutic intervention. conclusion: it is concluded from the study that endoscopy is more sensitive and specific than the dcmb in diagnosing lesions of the upper git.