Gastroesophageal reflux disease: correlation of esophageal pH testing and radiographic findings

In an attempt to ascertain radiologic efficacy in patients with evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at pH testing, radiographic findings were correlated with pH values obtained with an esophageal monitor worn for a 24-hour period in 112 patients. Fifteen (30%) of 50 patients with abnormal pH test results had esophagitis diagnosed radiographically, compared with six (10%) of 62 with normal pH test results (P < .05). The severity of abnormal pH monitoring results was classified but did not correlate significantly with the prevalence of esophagitis diagnosed radiographically. Hiatal hernia was also more common (80% vs 60%) in patients with abnormal pH test results (40 of 50 patients) than in those with normal results (37 of 62 patients) (P < .05). Pharyngeal, laryngeal, and pulmonary symptoms were common indications for evaluation, and 14 of 27 (52%) patients with hoarseness had an abnormal pH tracing. Only a minority of patients with evidence of GERD as defined by abnormal pH test results had reflux esophagitis diagnosed radiographically.