Could a patch of stomach cells in your throat cause swallowing trouble?
NCT ID NCT07510984
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This observational study is investigating whether heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM), a patch of stomach-like tissue found in the upper esophagus, is associated with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and indigestion (dyspepsia). Researchers will compare symptoms and quality of life between adults with and without HGM who are already scheduled for a routine upper endoscopy. The study aims to better understand the role of HGM in these common symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could clarify whether heterotopic gastric mucosa causes swallowing problems, potentially guiding future diagnosis and treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not lead to direct clinical changes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 721 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Adults (≥18 years) undergoing clinically indicated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) at a single center will be consecutively screened and invited to participate over a 12-month period. After informed consent, participants complete symptom and health-related quality-of-life questionnaires prior to endoscopy. During routine gastroscopy, the presence or absence of heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in the proximal esophagus is assessed based on endoscopic appearance (and histology from routine care if available). Participants are grouped as HGM present vs no HGM for comparative analyses.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Planned upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) for clinical reasons (any indication) * Age ≥ 18 years * Written informed consent * Ability to complete the study questionnaires prior to endoscopy Exclusion Criteria: * Previously known heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) * Previously diagnosed dysphagia with prior therapeutic intervention (including pre-established diet modification, partial oral/enteral nutrition, steroid therapy, botulinum toxin injection, etc.) * Mechanical ventilation * Presence of a tracheostomy * Inadequate endoscopic assessability of the proximal esophagus, including: * General condition insufficient for careful endoscopic inspection (investigator's judgement) * Increased risk of aspiration * Inadequate visibility during the procedure (e.g., bleeding, food residue) * Complications preventing careful inspection of the proximal esophagus * History of surgery involving the pharynx or esophagus * Relevant severe neurological disorder (e.g., ALS, stroke) * Severe dementia * Severe depressive disorder * Lack of cooperation / inability to comply with study procedures * Planned PEG placement * Emergency endoscopy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bottrop
RECRUITINGBottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia, 46240, Germany
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