GLOBUS-PHARYNGEUS - RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION AND 24-HOUR PH MONITORINGOF THE PHARYNX AND ESOPHAGUS IN 22 PATIENTS

PURPOSE: The authors correlated the radiographic evaluation and 24-hou r pH monitoring of the pharynx and the esophagus in patients with glob us pharyngeus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic examination of the pharynx of 22 patients (13 women and nine men, aged 23-73 years [mean, 47 years]) included videofluoroscopy and static radiography. Twenty-f our-hour double-probe pH monitoring of the pharynx (abnormal, pH < 4) and esophagus (abnormal, 6% or more total acid exposure) was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Radiographic results were normal in 17 pati ents; results were abnormal in five, with four having pharyngeal dysfu nction and one showing a persistent cricopharyngeal impression. Zenker diverticulum was not seen. Results at pH monitoring of the pharynx an d esophagus were normal in 20 and 18 of the 22 patients, respectively. In four of five patients with abnormal radiographic studies of the ph arynx, results of pharyngeal pH monitoring were normal. CONCLUSION. Mo st patients with globus pharyngeus had normal results at pH monitoring and radiographic examination of the pharynx.