Diagnostic Criteria for Esophageal Transit Scintigraphy (11)
| Condition | Visual bolus transit analysis from dynamic display | Esophageal transit time | Esophageal retention at 10 min |
| Normal | Normal aboral bolus transit through upper, middle, and lower thirds of esophagus with normal relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter | <14 s | <18% |
| Nonspecific esophageal motility disorder | Any localized abnormal retrograde–antegrade bolus movement (normal movement is mild, transient, and retrograde in distal esophagus before relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter, which clears rapidly) | >14 s | >18% |
| Isolated lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction | Normal bolus transit in upper and middle esophagus with delayed transit localized at gastroesophageal junction | >14 s | Usually <18%; may see mild retention of <30% |
| Scleroderma | Marked delay in bolus transit, typically localized to distal esophagus | >30 s | >30%, with marked improvement when upright |
| Diffuse esophageal spasm | Repetitive retrograde–antegrade contractions throughout esophagus | >14 s | Normal or mild retention, <30% |
| Achalasia | Marked delay in bolus transit throughout esophagus (may progress normally in upper esophagus from oropharyngeal propulsion) | >30 s | >50%, with no improvement when upright |