The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Hiatal hernia includes:
The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis and misdiagnosis issues for Hiatal hernia:
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Diagnosis of hiatal hernia is based on typical clinical features and on the results of these laboratory studies and procedures:
❑ In barium study, hernia may appear as an outpouching containing barium at the lower end of the esophagus. Small hernias, however, are difficult to recognize. This study also shows diaphragmatic abnormalities.
❑ Endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy differentiate among hiatal hernia, varices, and other small gastroesophageal lesions; identify the mucosal junction and the edge of the diaphragm indenting the esophagus; and can rule out malignancy that otherwise may be difficult to detect.
❑ Esophageal motility studies assess the presence of esophageal motor abnormalities before surgical repair of the hernia.
❑ pH studies assess for reflux of gastric contents.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Hiatal hernia is diagnosed based on typical clinical features and the results of the following laboratory studies and procedures:
❑ Chest X-ray occasionally shows an air shadow behind the heart with a large hernia and infiltrates in the lower lobes if the patient has aspirated.
❑ In a barium study, the hernia may appear as an outpouching that contains barium at the lower end of the esophagus. (Small hernias are difficult to recognize.) This study also shows diaphragmatic abnormalities.
❑ Endoscopy and biopsy differentiate between hiatal hernia, varices, and other small gastroesophageal lesions; identify the mucosal junction and the edge of the diaphragm indenting the esophagus; and can rule out malignant tumors that otherwise might be difficult to detect.
❑ Esophageal motility studies assess the presence of esophageal motor abnormalities before surgical repair of the hernia.
❑ pH studies assess for reflux of gastric contents.
❑ Acid perfusion (Bernstein) test indicates that heartburn results from esophageal reflux when perfusion of hydrogen chloride through the nasogastric (NG) tube provokes this symptom.
The following laboratory tests may indicate GI bleeding as a complication of hiatal hernia:
❑ Complete blood count may show hypochromic microcytic anemia when bleeding from esophageal ulceration occurs.
❑ Stool guaiac test may be positive.
❑ Analysis of gastric contents may reveal blood.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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