Contrast-enhanced colour-Doppler sonography versus pH-metry in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced colour-Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty children (68 boys and 52 girls aged between 1 month and two years) with a clinical suspicion of gastro-oesophageal reflux (postprandial vomiting, weight loss, failure to thrive, anaemia, night-time coughing and crying, regurgitation, etc.) were studied by contrast-enhanced CDUS and subsequently by 24-hour pH-metry. Results of the two techniques were compared using the McNemar test.


RESULTS
Gastro-oesophageal reflux was detected on CDUS in 84 patients and with 24-h pH-metry in 86. In all cases of reflux, CDUS visualised the passage of contrast material from the stomach into the abdominal and middle and distal third of the thoracic oesophagus, enabling assessment of the segment of oesophagus involved by the reflux. Compared with pH-metry, CDUS had a sensitivity of 98% (p<0.0001 with McNemar's test).


CONCLUSIONS
In consideration of the results obtained and particularly of the low level of invasiveness, contrast-enhanced CDUS could be used to monitor children undergoing medical or surgical treatment for the complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Farina
R
R
Istituto di Radiologia, Policlinico Universitario, Via S. Sofia 89, 95125 Catania, Italy. radfaro@hotmail.com
Pennisi
F
F
La Rosa
M
M
Puglisi
C
C
Mazzone
G
G
Riva
G
G
Foti
P V
PV
Ettorre
G C
GC
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D003287:Contrast Media