title: Radiographic detection of achalasia: diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schima
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harisinghani
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schober
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pokieser
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Denk
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stacher
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate