Esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients refusing conventional endoscopy for the study of suspected esophageal pathology.

AIM: Esophageal capsule endoscopy is a well tolerated procedure that does not require sedation and has proved its value for the study of the esophagus. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility, accuracy, safety and acceptability of esophageal capsule endoscopy for the study of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal varices in patients who refused conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive examinations performed in 28 patients (15 men/13 women; mean age: 58.5+/-12.4 years; range: 23-87 years) were reviewed. Twenty-five examinations were performed in 23 patients presenting with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and the remaining five were carried out in patients with cirrhosis for screening of esophageal varices. The procedures were done with the new PillCam ESO that harbors two viewing cupules and takes a total of 14 frames/s. Technical data (total recording time, esophageal transit time and Z-line visualization), clinical findings (Savary-Miller grade; presence and characteristics of esophageal varices or portal hypertension gastropathy), and patient's opinion (quality and comfort questionnaire) were analyzed.

RESULTS: All the patients ingested and excreted the capsule without complications. Two examinations in the gastroesophageal reflux disease group were repeated; one was issued as a follow-up and the other because no images were recorded in the first capsule endoscopy. From the former, only the satisfaction questionnaire was analyzed. Mean total recording time and esophageal transit time were 1224 and 243.79 s, respectively (range: 2-1192 s). Complete study of the Z-line was possible in 23 examinations (23/29; 79.3%). Esophageal erosions were seen in 58.33% (14/24) of the examinations carried out in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Nine out of 14 patients (64.29%) presented with grade I esophagitis and the other five (35.71%) with grade II esophagitis. Among the five patients with cirrhosis, small varices were visualized in one (1/5; 20%), while large varices with red spots were evidenced in the remaining three (3/5; 60%). All four patients showing esophageal varices were found to have portal hypertension gastropathy. In most examinations, patients found the capsule easy to swallow (28/30; 93.33%), asymptomatic (29/30; 96.66%), evaluated the procedure as comfortable (29/30; 96.66%), and would repeat it if necessary (30/30; 100%).

CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal capsule endoscopy is an adequate alternative diagnostic method for the study of gastroesophageal reflux disease and for the screening of esophageal varices in patients refusing to undergo conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.