[Quantitative evaluation of deglutition in the upper esophagus by scintigraphy]

To evaluate the function of deglutition quantitatively, radionuclide transit in the and upper esophagus was examined. Ten ml of water containing 185 MBq 99mTc pertechnetate was put into the mouth and isotopic counts were measured every 0.2 second in the oral cavity, upper and lower cervical esophagus, and upper mediastinum. The subjects were studied twice, once while sitting and once supine. Esophageal transit was evaluated with time-activity curves obtained in each region of interest. In twelve healthy volunteers transit of the radionuclide was significantly delayed in supine position compared with sitting position. Even while the subject was supine, the radionuclide was propelled into the lower cervical esophagus in 0.8 second and upper mediastinum in 1.4 second in the healthy volunteers. In the patient, who had reconstruction of the esophagus through posterior mediastinum, radionuclide transit was not different from that of healthy volunteers. Whereas in the patient, who had the reconstruction through retrosternal space, the transit was remarkably delayed. The esophageal scintigraphy was safe and sensitive enough to evaluated the function of deglutition quantitatively.