Comparison of videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry for the evaluation of oesophageal stenosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: To compare videofluoroscopy that included a tablet test with impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP(®)) for the evaluation of oesophageal stenosis in patients with dysphagia. METHODS: In 56 patients, videofluoroscopic examinations following the transit of a 14-mm tablet were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with impedance planimetry findings, a catheter-based method using impedance planimetry to display the oesophageal diameter estimates. Additional findings assessed were the occurrence of symptoms during tablet passage and evaluation of oesophageal motility. RESULTS: Impaction of the tablet occurred in 31/56 patients; nine showed a moderate delay (2–15 s), three a short delay (<2 s) and 13 no delay of tablet passage. Both methods showed a significant correlation between tablet impaction and oesophageal diameter <15.1 mm, as measured by impedance planimetry (p = 0.035). The feeling of the tablet getting stuck was reported by seven patients, six showing impaction of the tablet (four with an EndoFLIP-diameter < 13 mm, two with a diameter of 13–19 mm) and one showing delayed passage (EndoFLIP diameter of 17 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry correlate significantly regarding tablet impaction and residual oesophageal lumen. A standardized 14-mm tablet is helpful in demonstrating oesophageal strictures in dysphagic patients. Triggering of subjective symptoms provides valuable information during a videofluoroscopic study. KEY POINTS: • A 14-mm tablet can demonstrate oesophagogastric junction narrowing in patients with dysphagia. • Type of passage of a tablet enables estimation of oesophageal luminal diameter. • Videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry correlate significantly regarding tablet impaction and residual oesophageal lumen.