[Color coded Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux]

We report the possibility to detect small gastro-oesophageal refluxes by means of colour coded Doppler(CD)ultrasonography. The choice of an adequate pulse repetition frequency, which coded velocities up to 30 cm/s into colour without aliasing phenomenon, is an important premise for a colour coded proof of reflux. The sensitivity has been increased from 87% to 94% in sonographically detection of reflux, if the results are compared with the pH metry, measured about 24 hours. It is shown by comparison of the three methods (B-mode-, CD-ultrasonography and 24 hours pH-monitoring), that there are in each case equal false negative and false positive results. So the over all agreement was just 83% of all three methods. In our opinion it should be performed an additional ultrasonography in completion to the customary pH metry, which can detect even short term and pH neutral refluxes. If it is used supplementary, the colour coded Doppler ultrasonography improves the diagnostic sensitivity especially in trifle refluxes.