Evaluation of radionuclide gastroesophagography as a suitable screening test for detection of gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract

Thirty cases of recurrent pulmonary infection and ten control cases underwent radionuclide gastroesophagography endoscopy, histopathology and barium esophagography to evaluate the clinical efficacy of scintigraphic technique in, detection of gastroesophageal reflux. After ingesting 500 micro curie of Tc-Sulphur colloid mixed in milk, patients esophageal activity was monitored using the gamma camera for forty-five minutes continuously. By using histopathology as standard of comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of radionuclide esophagography was 78.54 and 81.25%, respectively. Because of its physiologic nature, low radiation exposure and convenience, radionuclide esophagography is recommended as a suitable screening test for detecting gastroesophageal reflux where available.