Studies on the Roentgenological Features and Biopsy Findings of the Digestive Tract in Alimental Urticaria and Allergic Diarrhea

Abstract

In order to reveal the roentgenological changes of the small intestine of allergic patients, following studies were carried out. After ingestion of 300 cc of barium meal serial exposures were carried out every 15 minutes until one hour and then every 30 minutes up to 4 1/2 hours to take the indirect X-ray photogram (6×6 cm in size). Occasionally fluoroscopic examination and direct photography were also combined. The difference between the examination with and without allergenic food was studied. The results were summarized as follows; 1) Even with simple barium meal the patients of alimental urticaria and of diarrhea due to particular food showed delayed empting of the stomach and shortened transit time of the small intestine. In asthmatic patients these values remained with in the normal limit. The intestinal mucosal pattern disclosed no abnormality in majority of these cases. 2) Provocation was performed by the ingestion of allergenic food mixed with barium meal in the groups of urticaria and allergic diarrhea, and by the inhalation of acetylcholine solution in asthmatic patients. By the provocation, a) In almost all of these allergic patients, the stomach empting time was delayed, and the time in which the first half dose of barium was excreted from the stomach was especially prolonged. Extremelly shortened transit time of the small intestine was observed in the patients of allergic diarrhea. b) In asthmatic patients the roentgenological findings of the small intestine showed no remarkable changes. Both in urticaria and diarrhea groups, hyperkinesis and flocculation in the small intestine were observed. c) These roentgenological changes in the small intestine were not presented in the healthy control group, although the same allergenic foods were given. 3) In one case of urticaria biopsy of the small intestine showed wheal formation and cell infiltration of the intestinal wall.