A Source of Error in the Diagnosis of Gastric Malignancy

The barium meal findings obtained from a case with a long history of dyspepsia with recent loss of weight are presented. At the first examination a persistent irregular filling defect was visualised on the greater curvature of the stomach. A radiological report suggesting an ulcerating carcinoma as the cause of this defect was made. The barium meal was repeated and the diagnosis was not confirmed. A gastrectomy was performed and the subsequent histological examination showed the presence of a small healed ulcer on the anterior wall of the stomach. It is suggested that the associated gastrospasm was the cause of the filling defect seen on the greater curvature.