Radiographic detection of achalasia: diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy.

AIMS: To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of videofluoroscopy in the diagnosis of achalasia.

MATERIALS AND

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%).

CONCLUSION

Videofluoroscopy is a valuable and sensitive technique for the detection of disordered oesophageal motility in achalasia.