Related Experiment Videos
Scintigraphic evaluation of Zenker's diverticulum
Venanzio Valenza1, Germano Perotti, Daniela Di Giuda
1Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Policlinico A Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. vvalenza@rm.unicatt.it
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy (OPES) effectively visualizes Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) and swallowing alterations. This sensitive, well-tolerated technique correlates with other diagnostic methods for ZD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a rare esophageal pathology.
- Diagnosis typically involves barium esophagogram (BE) and esophageal manometry (ME).
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal swallowing phase alterations are key to ZD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy (OPES) for visualizing ZD.
- To assess OPES's ability to demonstrate swallowing phase alterations in ZD patients.
- To compare OPES with established diagnostic methods like ME and BE.
Main Methods:
- 16 ZD patients and 17 controls underwent ME, BE, and OPES.
- OPES involved ingesting 10ml of Tc-99m colloid-labeled water.
- Sequential imaging and time-activity curves analyzed swallowing phases and inflammation.
Main Results:
- OPES successfully visualized ZD in patients.
- The technique demonstrated swallowing disorders, including reflux and inflammation.
- OPES results correlated well with ME, particularly for oropharyngeal phase disorders.
Conclusions:
- OPES is a sensitive, simple, and well-tolerated imaging technique for ZD.
- It provides valuable qualitative and quantitative data on swallowing function in ZD.
- OPES offers a low radiation dose alternative for diagnosing ZD and associated swallowing issues.