Radiographic evaluation of esophageal function

Radiologic studies can be helpful when evaluating patients who are suspected of having esophageal motility disorders. Performing studies of the highest technical quality yields the most definitive results. The esophagus should be assessed for anatomic and functional abnormalities that may account for presenting symptoms. Motility disorders such as achalasia and scleroderma have specific radiographic findings that are described in this article; however, some motility disorders of the esophagus have nonspecific radiographic findings. In those cases, it is imperative that clinical and manometric information be combined with radiographic findings to provide accurate diagnoses. The radiographic examinations that are most commonly used include barium esophagography and nuclear medicine examinations. This article emphasizes the use of barium examinations to assess esophageal motility.