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.