[Use of high frequency cinematography in diagnosis of globus sensation].
BACKGROUND
Globus pharyngis is a frequent symptom in patients who consult an otolaryngologist. In many cases, routine diagnostic work-up including history, clinical examination, and barium swallow fail to revealing the underlying pathogenesis.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, we present 51 selected patients suffering from globus pharyngis of unknown origin who were investigated by high-speed cineradiography in a standardized manner.


RESULTS
Twenty-four of the patients enrolled in the study (47.1%) showed functional and/or structural swallowing disorders. In 13 cases (25.5%) dyskinesias of the superior esophagus sphincter muscle were found. Five of these patients (9.8%) also had an inconstant hypopharyngeal diverticulum. Six cases (11.8%) showed laryngeal penetration or tracheal aspiration. In four cases (7.8%) functional disorders of pharyngeal, and in three cases (5.9%) functional disorders of oral bolus transport were found. Furthermore one hypopharyngeal web (1.9%) and two benign tumors (3.9%) were detected. In many cases, varying combinations of these findings occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Using high-speed cineradiography for evaluation of globus pharyngis results in an increased incidence of pathologic findings, and thus is an important method for interdisciplinary diagnostic work up of patients suffering from this symptom.
Alberty
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster.
Oelerich
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002933:Cineradiography; D003287:Contrast Media; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004936:Diverticulum, Esophageal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate