Evaluation of esophageal transit in children and in infants by means of Krypton-81m

This paper presents the results of Krypton-81m esophageal transit study in a series of children and infants presenting various esophageal disorders. The advantage of Kr-81m, compared to other radionuclides, is that the radiation dose to the patient is extremely low. The study can therefore be repeated as often as necessary and a high dose can be given to ensure good quality results. The method is very easy to perform and allows a quantitative assessment of esophageal transit in physiological conditions. The method gives information about the severity of altered transit and it is particularly useful in studying the effects of treatment.