Jelena Curcic1, Reto Treier1, Elad Kaufman2, Zsofia Forras-Kaufman2, Mark Fox2, Werner Schwizer2, Michael Fried2, Peter Boesiger1
1Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; 2Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) is the main defense mechanism against acid reflux. Its competence is the most fundamental in preventing clinical manifestations of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with high-resolution manometry (HRM) as reference technique was used to evaluate the structure and function of the GEJ in healthy volunteers and GERD patients. Anatomic and dynamic scans were performed alternately before and after ingestion of a high-caloric meal. GEJ area was reconstructed in 3D and the insertion angle of the esophagus into the stomach was calculated. On dynamic MR images reflux events could be observed and analyzed.