Videofluoroscopy of the pharynx and esophagus in chronic graft-versus-host disease

Successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for hematologic disorders may be complicated by graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD is a systemic disease, involving, among other organs, the skin, mouth, liver, and esophagus. Esophageal involvement results in mucosal inflammation, leading to submucosal fibrosis and, occasionally, formation of webs and strictures. We investigated 25 allogeneic BMT recipients (17 with and eight without chronic GVHD). All patients had a videofluoroscopic study of the pharynx and esophagus to determine the radiographic abnormalities characteristic of chronic GVHD. Oropharyngeal abnormalities (poor bolus control, pharyngeal retention, or excessive mucous secretions) were found in five patients with and three patients without GVHD. Only one patient with GVHD had a pharyngo-esophageal stricture. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to pharyngo-esophageal radiographic abnormalities and esophageal symptoms. Radiographic evidence of esophageal motility disorder is not specific for GVHD involvement. In the absence of specific radiographic features, endoscopy is the most accurate method for the diagnosis of esophageal involvement by GVHD.