Esophageal Scintigraphy Normal Images

A:                                                                    B:

A: Male 42 year old, complains of heartburn. A bolus of 99mTc Sulphur Colloid was given by mouth in supine position, obtaining dynamic acquisition in anterior view in thorax. At the right hand side, the regions of interest over the esophagus and stomach. At left the time activity curves in upper (yellow), middle (red) and lower (blue) esophagus.  Transit time was below 15 sec. and washout over 80% in the 3 segments. B:Male 41 year old with chest pain and suspicion of esophageal spasm. On image 1, nice bolus transit from the mouth to stomach. On 2, curves from the three esophageal segments and on 3, total esophagus. Transit time was 6.5 sec and retention 10% calculated over total curve.

This procedure is not requested frequently. It may be useful to detect esophageal spasm in patients with thoracic pain as in the case presented. The pain caused by spasm can be similar to true angina. Usually the procedure is carried out after ruling out coronary artery disease via a normal coronary angiography.

References:

Martin-Comin J.. Estudio de la Motilidad Digestiva. Absorción y Perdidas Proteicas. Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal. Test del Aliento, p: 239-247 in: Medicina Nuclear Aplicaciones Clínicas. Eds: I. Carrio - P. González. Editorial Masson, Barcelona España, 2003.

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