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The globus syndrome: value of flexible endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Reinhard Lorenz ,
Gabriele Jorysz  and
Meinihard Clasen
Reinhard Lorenz*
Affiliation:
2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Gabriele Jorysz
Affiliation:
2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Meinihard Clasen
Affiliation:
2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany
*
Reinhard Lorenz, M.D., 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts Der Tsar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-8000 MOnchen 80, Germany
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Abstract

Flexible endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract usually does not form part of the primary diagnostic evaluation of the globus syndrome. In a prospective trial, a flexible endoscopy was performed in 51 globus patients with normal results of the laryngologic and radiographic examination. Pathologic findings requiring therapy were diagnosed in 70.6 per cent of cases. The most frequent findings were reflux oesophagitis (n = 24; 47 per cent) and hiatial hernia (n = 25; 49 per cent). In 16 cases (31,4 per cent) these were accompanied by other pathologic lesions. A total of 32 patients (62.7 per cent) suffered from oesophageal diseases as sole aetiologic factors of the globus syndrome, which led us to postulate a causative relationship in these cases. Flexible endoscopy therefore can contribute significantly to the differential diagnosis of the globus syndrome. It must be kept in mind, however, that there is a ‘blind zone’ for endoscopic assessment in a region of the hypopharynx, thus some indications may require rigid endoscopy.

Keywords

Globus syndromeOesophagoscopyGastroscopyOesophagitisrefluxHerniahiatal
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 107 , Issue 6 , June 1993 , pp. 535 - 537
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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