Biphasic radiologic examination and endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A comparative study

In this prospective, blind study we compare the diagnostic results of endoscopy with a biphasic radiologic examination with drug-induced hypotony in gastric malignancy, peptic ulcer, and reflux esophagitis. Two hundred fourteen patients underwent both examinations within a week. Both disciplines detected seven malignant tumors. Twenty-three peptic ulcers were found by both; in addition, each diagnosed another ulcer. Fourteen ulcer scars were diagnosed by both; endoscopy demonstrated 10 additional scars and radiology 1. The radiologic examination detected 7 of the 37 cases of endoscopically diagnosed cases of mild reflux esophagitis, 4 of the 7 moderate cases, and 7 of 8 severe ones. A state-of-the-art radiologic examination represents an adequate initial examination in the dyspeptic patient. If the complaints suggest reflux esophagitis, the clinician has to choose between treatment and endoscopy.