Gastroesophageal reflux in children: radionuclide gastroesophagography.

Sixty-five symptomatic infants and children underwent radionuclide gastroesophagography, acid reflux testing, and barium esophagography with water-siphon testing to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the scintigraphic technique in detecting gastroesophageal reflux. After ingesting 99mTc sulfur colloid in fruit juice, patients rested beneath the gamma camera for 30-60 min while esophageal activity was monitored continuously. By using the acid reflux test as a standard of comparison, the sensitivity of radionuclide gastroesophagography was 75%. Because of its physiologic nature, low radiation exposure, and convenience, radionuclide gastroesophagography warrants further evaluation as a screening test for gastroesophageal reflux.