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Modified Reflux Scintigraphy Detects Pulmonary Microaspiration in Severe Gastro-Esophageal and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

  • GERD and ASPIRATION
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Abstract

Introduction

Previously described methodologies for detecting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) have limitations. Symptoms alone are non-diagnostic, and pH-impedance studies have poor sensitivity. Pulmonary micro-aspiration is under-recognised in LPR and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed to describe the results of a modified technique for scintigraphic reflux studies in two groups with severe reflux: those with typical reflux symptoms and those with laryngopharyngeal manifestations of reflux.

Methods

A prospective database of severely symptomatic, treatment-resistant reflux patients was grouped based upon predominant symptom profile of typical GERD or LPR. All patients underwent reflux scintigraphy. Results were obtained for early scintigraphic reflux contamination of the pharynx and proximal esophagus, and delayed contamination of the pharynx and lungs after 2 h.

Results

187 patients were studied (82 GERD, 105 LPR). The LPR patients were predominantly female (70.5% vs. 56.1%; p = 0.042) and older than the GERD group (median age 60 years vs. 55.5 years; p = 0.002). Early scintigraphic reflux was seen at the pharynx in 89.2% (GERD 87.7%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.133), and at the proximal esophagus in 89.7% (GERD 88.9%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.147). Delayed contamination of the pharynx was seen in 95.2% (GERD 93.9%, LPR 96.2%; p = 0.468). Delayed pulmonary aspiration was seen in 46% (GERD 36.6%, LPR 53.3%; p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Reflux scintigraphy demonstrated a high rate of reflux-related pulmonary aspiration. Contamination of the proximal esophagus and pharynx was observed frequently in both groups of severe disease. The likelihood of pulmonary aspiration and potential pulmonary disease needs to be entertained in severe GERD and LPR.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Jin-soo Park & Gregory Leighton Falk

  2. School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Jin-soo Park, Leticia Burton & Hans Van der Wall

  3. CNI Meadowbank, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Leticia Burton & Hans Van der Wall

  4. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Gregory Leighton Falk

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  1. Jin-soo Park
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  2. Leticia Burton
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  4. Gregory Leighton Falk
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Correspondence to Jin-soo Park.

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Park, Js., Burton, L., Van der Wall, H. et al. Modified Reflux Scintigraphy Detects Pulmonary Microaspiration in Severe Gastro-Esophageal and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease. Lung 199, 139–145 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-021-00432-y

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