The authors reviewed 49 double-contrast and 27 single-contrast barium-enema examinations (BE) in 71 children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis was proved in 41 patients, of whom 36 underwent proctoscopy and 5 had advanced disease which was treated surgically within 3 to 30 days after BE; the other 30 children served as controls. BE and proctoscopy were compared with regard to sensitivity (detection of disease) and accuracy (categorization as ulcerative or granulomatous colitis). Sensitivity was 93% for double-contrast and 82% for single-contrast BE. Both detected all cases of advanced disease; in early disease, double-contrast BE detected 91% of cases and single-contrast BE 70%. Colitis was correctly categorized as ulcerative or granulomatous in 93% with double-contrast BE and 86% with single-contrast BE. Specificity within the control group was 100% with both techniques. The authors conclude that both types of BE exhibit similar sensitivity in advanced disease, but the double-contrast technique is more accurate in detecting early disease.