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Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with bleeding/rebleeding duodenal ulcers. Material and Methods: Over a 6-year-period, 40 consecutive patients with bleeding/rebleeding after endoscopic therapy and/or surgery for duodenal ulcer were included in the study. Superselective angiographic catheterization and coil embolization were performed by the same interventional radiologist. Results: Lasting hemostasis was achieved in 26 of 40 patients (65%). Transfusion requirement was reduced from median 14 (range 3–35) units of blood before TAE to 2 (range 0–53) units after TAE. Ten patients died, five because of continuous bleeding. No adverse effects as a result of TAE were seen. Conclusion: TAE is an effective and safe treatment in a significant proportion of patients with bleeding duodenal/rebleeding ulcers after therapeutic endoscopy and/or surgery.

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...

Purpose: Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is demonstrated by radiography as a supplement to 24-h pH monitoring. Material and Methods: Forty-two patients (mean age 44 years) with suspicion of GOR disease were assessed according to a standard questionnaire. GOR was investigated by 24-h pH-monitoring and by radiography. Oesophageal emptying and the presence of rings or strictures were registered as well. Mucosal biopsies, classified as normal, light oesophagitis, severe oesophagitis, or Barrett's oesophagus, were correlated to age, gender, symptomatology, pH monitoring, and oesophageal emptying. GOR and morphological changes demonstrated by radiography were correlated to pH monitoring and mucosa biopsies. Results: Based on pH monitoring, patients with severe oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus had a significantly higher acid exposure compared to patients with normal mucosa and light oesophagitis, with no difference concerning age, gender, and symptoms. Severe oesophagitis, including Barrett's oesophagus, was found only in patients with a positive test for radiologic GOR. Eleven patients had rings or strictures independent of oesophageal mucosal changes. Conclusion: GOR demonstrated by radiography identified patients where complications could be expected, which was not possible by pH monitoring alone.

Purpose: Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is demonstrated by radiography as a supplement to 24-h pH monitoring.Material and Methods: Forty-two patients (mean age 44 years) with suspicion of GOR disease were assessed according to a standard questionnaire. GOR was investigated by 24-h pH-monitoring and by radiography. Oesophageal emptying and the presence of rings or strictures were registered as well. Mucosal biopsies, classified as normal, light oesophagitis, severe oesophagitis, or Barrett's oesophagus, were correlated to age, gender, symptomatology, pH monitoring, and oesophageal emptying. GOR and morphological changes demonstrated by radiography were correlated to pH monitoring and mucosa biopsies.Results: Based on pH monitoring, patients with severe oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus had a significantly higher acid exposure compared to patients with normal mucosa and light oesophagitis, with no difference concerning age, gender, and symptoms. Severe oesophagitis, including Barrett's oesophag...