BREAD AND BARIUM: Diagnostic value in patients with suspected primary esophageal motility disorders

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the significance of bread and barium studies as a diagnostic tool as well as a supplement to manometric investigation of the esophagus in patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders.Material and Methods: Eighty-nine patients suspected for primary esophageal motility disorders were examined. All patients were interviewed before the investigation to determine the prevalence of symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and dysphagia. The patients underwent simultaneous roentgenologic and manometric investigations in the supine position during wet and solid barium swallow, and during continuous drinking, followed by investigation for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The manometric examination was performed with triple-lumen catheters connected to a hydraulic capillary infusion system and external transducers.Results: All patients with normal esophageal clearing (n=31) had normal manometry. Patients with delayed esophageal clearing (n=58) required manometry for identifying conco...