Diagnostic evaluation of upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy in combination with multi-slice computed tomography in patients with chronic refractory throat symptoms

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) is often implicated as the cause of chronic ear, nose, and throat (ENT) signs and symptoms. GERD is present in up to 75% of patients with chronic refractory ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy induces symptom relief in most of these patients.Objective: To find if there is a benefit of using upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy in diagnosing patients with chronic refractory throat symptoms in comparison with MSCT of the Neck. To examine if there is an association between chronic throat symptoms and upper GIT disease.Methods: Patients with chronic refractory throat symptoms undergone upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy in combination with MSCT of the Neck. Results: There is a positive correlation between the occurrence of upper esophagitis and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux.Conclusion: It is recommended that patients with refractory throat disorders with normal direct laryngoscopic examination with positive CT neck findings to do upper GI endoscopy as their initial assessment.