The acid perfusion test as differential diagnostic aid in patients with chest pain.

A short review of the literature of the acid perfusion test is first given. Data from 67 patients with chest pain investigates with an acid perfusion test during ECG-surveillance in close connection to an exercise test are then presented. Arrhythmias or ST-T changes on ECG were not induced by the acid infusion. Six patients had a "positive related" acid perfusion test which in this context means that they recognized the chest discomfort elicited by the acid infusion as that which had brought them to the exercise test. The acid perfusion test in close connection to an exercise test is in selected patients a safe and useful technique for establishing whether or not the symptoms have an oesophageal component.