Does esophageal wall thickness on computed tomography predict response to endoscopic dilatation in patients with corrosive esophageal strictures

Background and Aim To evaluate the role of esophageal wall thickness (EWT) on computed tomography (CT) in predicting response to endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures. Methods This was a retrospective study. A review of the records of patients who underwent endoscopic dilatation of esophageal strictures between January 2010 and December 2017 was performed. Patients who had a CT evaluation prior to dilatations were included. CT-EWT was measured at the maximum visible point. Clinical details and endoscopic dilatation parameters were recorded. Technical success, clinical success, and recurrent and refractory strictures were recorded. CT-EWT and the clinical parameters were evaluated regarding their role in predicting the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success. Results A total of 250 patients underwent endoscopic dilatations during the study period; 84 patients underwent thoracoabdominal CT. Complete clinical, endoscopic, CT data and follow up were available for 64 patients. There were 36 males. The median age was 30 years (range, 14-70 years). A total of 750 dilatations were performed. The median number of dilatations required to achieve technical success was 8.5 (range, 1-51). Dilatations were performed after a median period of 3 months (range, 1-40). Median CT-EWT was 7 mm (range, 3-22). On univariate, as well as multivariate, analysis, CT-EWT and the clinical parameters were found to be poor predictors of the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success. Conclusion CT-EWT has no additional role in predicting response to the endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures.