Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Assessment of Gastro-Esophageal Junction

Jelena Curcic¹, Reto Treier¹, Elad Kaufman², Zsofia Forras-Kaufman², Mark Fox², Werner Schwizer², Michael Fried², Peter Boesiger¹

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.