Pediatric Esophageal pH Probe Malfunction

Etiology: Placed in patients who require evaluation and quantification of gastroesophageal reflux
Imaging: Correct position of the esophageal pH probe sensor is 3-5 cm above the gastroesophageal junction
Note: Make sure you know which of the radiopaque markings on the catheter is the actual pH probe sensor
DDX: Nasogastric tube, Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) tube, transesophageal echocardiogram probe, esophageal temperature probe
Complications: Malposition of the pH probe sensor too high in the esophagus, malposition of the pH probe sensor too low in the stomach, perforation of the esophagus during placement of the pH probe
Treatment: Repositioning or replacement of malpositioned pH probe
Clinical:

Radiology Cases of Esophageal pH Probe Malfunction

Radiology Cases of Esophageal pH Probe in Correct Position

CXR of correct position of esophageal pH probe sensor / measurement lead — CXR AP shows the tip of the nasogastric tube to be in the stomach. The position of the esophageal pH probe sensor / measurement lead (the radiolucent cylinder with the radiopaque stripe in the center of it) is 3-5 cm above the gastroesophageal junction.

CXR of correct position of the esophageal pH probe sensor / measurement lead — CXR AP shows an esophageal pH probe. The position of the esophageal pH probe sensor / measurement lead (the radiolucent cylinder with the radiopaque stripe in the center of it) is 3-5 cm above the gastroesophageal junction.

Radiology Cases of Esophageal pH Probe in a Too Low a Position

CXR of esophageal pH probe malposition — CXR AP shows an esophageal pH probe. The position of the esophageal pH probe sensor / measurement lead (the radiolucent cylinder with the radiopaque dot in the center of it) is at the gastroesophageal junction.