Dynamic esophageal scintigraphy parameters to analize in single liquid bolus swallow

ABSTRACT

Dynamic esophageal scintigraphy has been widely used since 1972. It received several denominations that reflects a non agreement about terminology. Nonetheless authors do agree that the method is non invasive, physiologic, very simple, ease to perform, low cost, low radiation level, good for follow up. It also is a quantitative and qualitative method; gives information unavailable by other means and can be used as a screening test. The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze dynamic esophageal scintigraphy in patients with esophageal dysmotility employing systematically the following parameters total transit time, curve pattern and residual activity, stomach entry form, time for initial entry in stomach, presence of chaotic movements and curve variation factor and compare the results with a control group. Population studied was 55 controls and 611 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of primary or secondary esophageal motor dysfunction. Results of commom parameters were in accordance with literature. Conclusion: the parameters used could clearly discriminate patients in a very simple way that can be used anywhere. The prevalence of altered parameters increased with the elevation of total transit time. This induced the idea that the alterations were significant not mere physiologic variations. The systematization used permits to compare groups of patients from one institution to another.