Abstract
Abstract Purpose: To correlate the functional changes of the esophagus determined by manometry and radiography using bread and barium with the severity of esophageal symptoms. Material and Methods: Fifty-seven patients, mean age 44.4 years, suspected of primary esophageal motility disorders underwent simultaneous video-radiography and manometry. Based on interviews the patients were divided into subgroups according to predominant symptom − gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms, dysphagia, or chest pain – and to severity of symptoms, i.e., symptoms with negative or no influence on daily life. The manometric diagnosis and esophageal emptying were based on both liquid and solid swallows. Results: There was significant difference in the incidence of esophageal dysmotility disorders both globally and in the subgroup of patients with dysphagia between patients with and those without severe symptoms, but only after solid swallows. Conclusion: We suggest employment of bread in esophageal function tests to improve the correlation between symptomatology and positive diagnostics findings.