Radioactive Esophageal Transit Study (RETS)
Noninvasive test for evaluation of symptoms thought to be of esophageal origin such as:
Primary motor disorders
Reflux disease
Other conditions affecting esophageal function
Note barium swallow or endoscopy should be used to evaluate
Stricture
Malignancy concern
Mechanical obstruction
Radionucleotide Esophagram
Radionuclide esophagram is performed with Tc-99m SC in water. A single swallow is performed, and rapid sequential images are acquired for 1 minute, followed by repeated dry swallows.
A flat pattern is associated with achalasia.
Scleroderma shows greater than 50% retention.
Repetitive high amplitude and nonprogressive contractions = diffuse esophageal spasm
Evaluation of Aspiration
Tc99m sulfur colloid (same as gastric emptying study)
Negative exam does not exclude aspiration
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