Radiographic detection of achalasia: diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of videofluoroscopy in the diagnosis of achalasia.


METHODS
Videofluoroscopic studies of the oesophagus of 53 patients (25 males, 28 females; mean age, 49 years) with manometrically revealed diagnosis of achalasia were retrospectively evaluated. The videofluoroscopic examinations had been carried out with one swallow of low-density barium suspension in the erect and up to three swallows in the prone oblique position. Videofluoroscopically, a diagnosis of achalasia was made in 31 of the patients (58%) with manometrically proven achalasia, of whom only nine had oesophageal dilatation. Non-specific oesophageal motor abnormalities were diagnosed radiographically in 18 patients (34%) and a normal motility in four patients (8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Videofluoroscopy is a valuable and sensitive technique for the detection of disordered oesophageal motility in achalasia.
Schima
W
W
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Ryan
J M
JM
Harisinghani
M
M
Schober
E
E
Pokieser
P
P
Denk
D M
DM
Stacher
G
G
D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014743:Videotape Recording
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate