title: [Study of esophageal transit with radioisotopes in the diagnosis of achalasia].
abstract: The investigations employed in the diagnosis of oesophageal achalasia have been assessed critically. Although electromanometry contributes most to diagnosis and pinpoints with absolute precision the physiopathological elements that characterise the disease, radioisotopic study of oesophageal transit is an important diagnostic aid. More readily than any other, this technique permits morphofunctional evaluation in selected patients; it also represents the most physiological investigation and the best tolerated and, second only to manometry, the most reliable. Oesophagography with baritate meal and oesophagoscopy also play a diagnostic role in oesophageal achalasia. The former makes it possible to document the cardial stop and the presence or otherwise of mega-oesophagus, the second excludes the presence of organic dysphagias and also has a therapeutic use because cycles of dilatation of the oesophago-cardial junction can be carried out.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Fisiopatologia Chirurgica, Università di Palermo.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fiorentino
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maiorana
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cirrincione
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vulpetti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cangialosi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marrazzo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scaffidi
mesh_terms: D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging