Two newer methods of roentgen technic, useful in gastro-intestinal diagnosis, have enjoyed extensive exposure in the literature of roentgenology and on programs of roentgen societies. It is proposed to expose these methods to the members of the general profession and, at the same time, to inquire critically into their values.
The mucosal pattern, the relief picture or the compression technic of the mucous lining of the gastro-intestinal tract is secured by fluoroscope or roentgenogram after manipulation and gravity have adapted a thin, mucilaginous, opaque medium to the mucosal folds of the esophagus, stomach or small or large intestine. It is a study of the intimate morphologic detail of the mucosa. The regular, bulkier barium sulfate meal provides the diagnostic factors of contour and function and will provide conclusive diagnostic facts in a major portion of appropriate cases. The mucosal pattern technic amplifies the routine examination in certain details of the