Half of the 592 individuals with reflux, dysphagia, or globus pharyngeus had significant findings, the most frequent being esophagitis (n = 98), hiatal hernia (n = 47), and Barrett’s esophagus (n = 27). Researchers concluded that TNE was well tolerated and safe and may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in patients with reflux, globus and dysphagia.
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September 2009Another study (Laryngoscope 2005;115:993-6), of which Dr. Anderson was one of the authors, found that with appropriate selection criteria, TNE yields a high percentage of positive findings and wide range of esophageal abnormalities, directly impacting patient management.
In this retrospective chart review of 30 patients, physicians used TNE to assess dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux, or a new diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Positive findings included mucosal cobblestoning, Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, gastritis, candidal esophagitis, esophageal diverticulum, postcricoid mass, patulous esophagus, and absence of secondary esophageal peristalsis, reported the study authors.
In a recent prospective study, researchers used TNE to evaluate the prevalence of esophageal pathology of 50 patients presenting with throat symptoms at a voice clinic and had the variability of findings reviewed by an otolarygoloist and a gastroenterologist (Falcone MT et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2009;140:812-5). Hoarseness was found in 68% of patients, hiatal hernia in 32%, possible Barrett’s esophagus in 12%, esophagitis in 10%, and esophageal stricture in 10% of patients.
The percent agreement for a normal study was 72%, while the percent agreement for various pathological findings were 86% for Barrett’s esophagus, 88% for esophagitis, 76% for hiatal hernia, and 96% for esophageal stricture. For an abnormal study, the percent agreement was 80%.
©2009 The Triological Society
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