Using ultrasound to detect food blockages in the esophagus
Point of Care Ultrasound for the Detection of Esophageal Food Bolus
This study tests if using ultrasound can help doctors find food blockages in the esophagus of adults who come to the emergency department.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WellSpan Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (York, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06507670 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will assess adult patients at WellSpan York Hospital Emergency Department who show signs of esophageal food or foreign body impaction. Trained emergency physicians will perform point of care ultrasound (POCUS) to visualize the presence of food bolus or foreign body and measure esophageal dilation. A control group of asymptomatic individuals will also be enrolled to establish baseline esophageal measurements. Patients will receive standard medical treatment, and their outcomes will be monitored over one month.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older presenting with symptoms of esophageal food bolus or foreign body.
Not a fit: Patients with prior esophageal surgery, head/neck cancer, or those who are clinically unstable may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the diagnosis and management of esophageal obstructions, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of point of care ultrasound in emergency settings is gaining traction, this specific application for esophageal food bolus detection is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility (CASES) * Inclusion criteria: 1. Age ≥18 years 2. Signs and symptoms of esophageal food bolus or foreign body * Exclusion criteria: 1. Prior esophageal surgery 2. History of head/neck cancer 3. Incarcerated individuals 4. Individuals unable to provide consent 5. Clinical instability or airway compromise Eligibility (CONTROLS) * Inclusion criteria: 1. Age ≥18 years 2. NO signs or symptoms of esophageal food bolus or foreign body 3. Age/Sex match to previously enrolled case subject * Exclusion criteria: 1. Prior esophageal surgery/dilation/pathology 2. History of head/neck cancer 3. Incarcerated individuals 4. Individuals unable to provide consent 5. Clinical instability or airway compromise 6. Presentation involving any of the following symptoms: * Nausea/vomiting * Diarrhea * Abdominal pain * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Dysphagia/odynophagia * Cough
Where this trial is running
York, Pennsylvania
- WellSpan Health York Hospital — York, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristen Oliff
- Email: koliff@wellspan.org
- Phone: 717-851-5075
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.