[Inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract : Role of radiology in diagnostics].

BACKGROUND: The radiological evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a diagnostic challenge. Although endoscopy has pushed radiographic methods into the background, these methods continue to play a key role in the diagnosis of dysphagia. In addition, cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) is increasingly used in complex clinical cases to evaluate surrounding tissue changes.

METHODS: By combining conventional double-contrast techniques with a video recording, the entire upper GI tract can be assessed both anatomically and functionally in one examination procedure.

CONCLUSION: In addition to the clarification of swallowing disorders, videofluoroscopy can be used to assess postoperative control after antireflux and bariatric surgery. To obtain optimal results in video swallowing studies, the procedure should be adapted to the individual symptoms of the patient.