[Globus pharyngis and gastroesophageal equivalents].
BACKGROUND
Globus sensation is a phenomenon of largely unknown etiology. Dyskinesia of the upper esophageal sphincter is quite often evident without pathological ENT findings elsewhere.


METHODS
One hundred ten patients were examined in a interdisciplinary approach. The investigation included videofluoroscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy, pharyngoesophageal computer manometry, and esophageal pH monitoring. One hundred five cases were evaluated.


RESULTS
In 13 cases (12.4%) there was no evidence for any organic or functional disorder. In 92 cases (87.6%) abnormal findings were seen with two constellations being predominant. These are primarily inflammatory lesions in the stomach or the duodenum in 69.5% of all patients (73/105) associated with helicobacter pylori colonization in 58% (42/73) as well as ulcera and/or erosions in 8.2% (6/73). Concurrent disorders of the lower esophageal sphincter play the second role. Sixty-one point nine percent of all patients (65/105) had an hiatal hernia, with gastroesophageal reflux in 36.9% (24/65). In 21.5% (14/65) a reflux esophagitis was evident. A cardiac sphincter insufficiency was found in 6.7% (7/105).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings a gastroenterologic diagnosis is recommended in all patients with globus sensation as the symptom may be associated with corresponding disorders.
Walther
E K
EK
Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Bonn.
Schmidt
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000209:etiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis