Capsule endoscopy of the esophagus?

Background: The development of wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) allows the non invasive imaging of the small intestine. It is commonly believed, that other organs are not suitable for CE.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of CE in the distal esophagus. Patients and Methods: Wireless capsule endoscope measuring 11×27mm was used. The data of 22 patients were evaluated, who were mostly examined for suspected small intestinal bleeding.

Results: In the 22 patients the median CE exposure time in the esophagus was 3s (range 1–8s, median of 5 pictures, range 1–16). At least one image of the Z line was obtained in 50% of cases but adequate assessment of 50% and 100% of the circumference of the distal esophagus was possible in only 36% and 5% of the cases respectively. Previously proven reflux oesophagitis was detected in one case.

Conclusions: Examination of the distal esophagus by CE is not reliable at present. Technical developments are necessary to achieve the correct imaging.