Comparative evaluation of cine-esophagogram with esophageal manometry in assessing esophageal motility in progressive systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Esophageal manometry is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. Cine-esophagogram using barium is also a good investigation to screen patients for motor disorders of the esophagus. Comparison between these two investigations has not often been reported in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS).

AIM: To determine relative merits of cine-esophagogram and esophageal manometry in detecting esophageal motor dysfunction in PSS patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with PSS irrespective of esophageal symptoms underwent esophageal manometry and cine-esophagogram, results and their were compared.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity of cine-esophagogram as compared to manometry were 96.1% (95% CI 88.7%-100%) and 55.5% (95% CI 23%-87.9%) respectively. Its positive predictive value was 86%.

CONCLUSION

While esophageal manometry can identify esophageal motor disorder in PSS, cine-esophagogram can be resorted to in doubtful situations, for confirmation of diagnosis.