Related Experiment Videos
CT findings in patients with esophagitis
G Y Berkovich1, M S Levine, W T Miller
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|October 24, 2000
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) can reveal esophageal wall thickening and target signs in patients with esophagitis. These CT findings, particularly circumferential wall thickening, can suggest esophagitis in appropriate clinical contexts.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Esophagitis diagnosis typically relies on endoscopy or barium studies.
- Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for evaluating various thoracic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the characteristic CT findings in patients diagnosed with esophagitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of thoracic CT scans from 29 patients with esophagitis.
- Comparison of esophageal wall thickness measurements with a control group of 85 patients.
- Assessment for esophageal wall thickening (> or =5 mm) and target sign on CT.
Main Results:
- 55% of esophagitis patients showed abnormal CT findings, including esophageal wall thickening.
- A target sign was observed in 17% of esophagitis patients.
- Mean esophageal wall thickness was significantly greater in esophagitis patients (4.7 mm) than in controls (2.9 mm) (p <.001).
Conclusions:
- CT demonstrates abnormalities in the majority of esophagitis cases, notably esophageal wall thickening and target signs.
- While less sensitive than endoscopy or barium studies, CT findings of circumferential esophageal wall thickening can suggest esophagitis.
- CT plays a role in diagnosing esophagitis, especially when combined with clinical presentation.