Studies on the changes in the transport function of the esophagus on gamma-camera in thyroid diseases

Changes in the transport function of the esophagus were studied in 98 patients, 18 controls, 34 with primary myxedema and 46 with goiters (21 nidose and 25 diffuse goiters). Of all 80 patients with thyroid diseases changes in esophageal transport function had 56.2%. Esophageal function was affected in 58.8% (20 patients) of those who had primary myxedema and in 54.3% of those with euthyroid goiters. The changes in the proximal one third of the esophagus may be attributed to direct compression or to mechanical effect of metastases and recurrences of thyroid cancer, whereas transport function disorders in the distal one third may be explained with disorders of thyroid function. Correlation was found between impaired esophageal transport function, degree of thyroid hypewrtrophy, localization and size of the nodose formations and the clinical picture. 1 fig., 2 tabs., 3 refs