title: Analysis of a multiphasic radiographic examination for detecting reflux esophagitis.
abstract: Radiographic and endoscopic findings were correlated in 46 normal patients and in 49 with reflux esophagitis to assess the efficacy of a multiphasic examination employing mucosal relief full-column, and double-contrast techniques. Esophagitis was graded endoscopically as mild, moderate, or severe, and the quality and sensitivity of each technique and of the examination as a whole were determined. The radiographic specificity in the normal patients was 98%. The overall sensitivity was 65% for all grades of esophagitis, and 90% for the moderate and severe grades. Sensitivities of the individual techniques were: mucosal relief: 43%; full-column: 53%; double-contrast: 45%. These differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that a combination of radiographic techniques is needed to detect reflux esophagitis optimally.
mesh_terms: D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography