Comparison of barium radiology with esophageal pH monitoring in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract

A significantly greater degree of abnormal esophageal acid exposure occurs in patients who have either a hiatus hernia or spontaneous reflux, demonstrated during fluoroscopy. However, the sensitivity and specificity of barium radiology for abnormal degrees of acid reflux are insufficient for it to be worthwhile as a screening procedure.