Modified technique of high-resolution ultrasonography of the normal cervical esophagus

To study a modified technique of neck ultrasound for the visualization of cervical esophagus using a high-resolution and high frequency linear transducer in normal subjects.

Consecutive control subjects were patients who underwent abdominal sonography for other diseases and had no past or current history of dysphagia or esophageal disorders. The thyroid gland was used as a transducer window to obtain images. We used a slightly flexed neck position with the head turned 45 degrees to the opposite side while scanning the neck on either side.

One-hundred subjects were scanned and their age range was 10-74 years (male:female ratio 1:1). In 36% of cases it was difficult to visualize the right lateral 2/3rd in the traditional scanning position of the neck. This improved to 2% with the modified neck position. All patients had the left window visualized with both neck positions. The transverse diameter, anterior-posterior diameter and wall thickness measures were all significantly greater with the modified technique. All patients tolerated the procedure with no reported discomfort.

This modified technique provides superior views of the cervical esophagus, particularly from the right window, in almost all patients. Normal parameters using ultrasound have now been established.