Evaluation of reflux oesophagitis with technetium-99m-labelled sucralfate.
Sucralfate binds with denuded protein to form a stable complex to protect the damaged mucosa. By utilising this property, technetium-99m-labelled sucralfate can be used to demonstrate ulceration in the upper gastro-intestinal tract.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate 99mTc-labelled sucralfate in the diagnosis of grade II-III reflux oesophagitis.


METHODS
Ten patients with endoscopic proof of grade II-III reflux oesophagitis and 10 patients with normal findings on oesophagoscopy were evaluated after they had swallowed 5 ml 99mTc sucralfate. Radionuclide imaging was done until activity in the oesophagus had ceased.


RESULTS
Retention of activity from 10 minutes up to 1 1/2 hours could be demonstrated in 9 patients with endoscopically proven oesophagitis. In the control group complete clearance of activity was seen in 7 patients. Gastro-oesophageal reflux could be demonstrated in 4 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion we found 99mTc sucralfate to be a sensitive and specific method for the non-invasive diagnosis of grade II or grade III oesophagitis when compared with endoscopy [corrected].
van Zyl
J H
JH
Department of Internal Medicine (Division: Gastroenterology), University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
Nel
M G
MG
Otto
A C
AC
Grundling
H D
HD
Reinecke
E
E
Botha
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D013392:Sucralfate
D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; C038248:technetium Tc 99m sucralfate; D013392:Sucralfate