Radiological Findings in Globus Hystericus

Abstract
Patients previously diagnosed as globus hystericus do not have a hysterical personality. There is no loss of weight and no dysphagia. The lump is more definite between meals. Three per cent of patients attending the laryngologist are complaining of a sensation of a lump in the throat. Clinical and radiological examination has revealed organic lesions in 80% of patients. In the positive group, miscellaneous local lesions are found in 37%; in 63%, distal lesions. A hiatus hernia is the most common distal lesion (66%). The sensation of a lump in the throat is a real symptom related to an irritative lesion in the foregut in the majority of patients. Relief of the symptom occurs when the primary condition is amenable and responds to treatment. Full investigation, particularly a barium swallow and meal, is mandatory in all patients with this complaint.