Esophageal retention on modified barium swallow study: Limited predictive value for true esophageal pathology

Table 2 Comparison of esophageal retention on modified barium swallow study with esophageal pathology per physician expert and subsequent esophageal testing results

		Confirmed esophageal pathology1 (n = 83)			Esophagogastroduodenoscopy abnormality (n = 53)			Esophagram abnormality (n = 64)			Manometry abnormality2 (n = 31)			Anti-reflux abnormality3 (n = 11)
		No	Yes		No	Yes		No	Yes		No	Yes		No	Yes
Modified barium swallow study	No	20	8	χ2 = 0.30	7	8	χ2 = 0.05	10	11	χ2 = 0.96	8	5	χ2 = 0.41	1	1	χ2 = 0.20
	Yes	36	19	P = 0.58	19	19	P = 0.83	15	28	P = 0.33	9	9	P = 0.52	6	3	P = 0.66

¹Based on comprehensive evaluation of gastroenterology clinic notes and esophageal studies by two board-certified gastroenterologists with specialized training in esophageal disorders.

²Based on Chicago Classification 3.0.

³Based on DeMeester > 14.7 or total acid exposure > 6.