食管支架种类及材料学特征与中晚期食管癌合并食管恶性狭窄、食管瘘的临床应用

摘要 目的：探讨不同类型食管支架的材料学特征及其在中晚期食管癌合并食管恶性狭窄、食管瘘中的临床应用效果。 方法：由第一作者采用电子检索的方式,在中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI：1999/2009)及Medline 数据库(Pubmed: 1997/2009)中检索有关不同类型食管支架的材料学特征及其在中晚期食管癌合并食管恶性狭窄、食管瘘中临床应用的文献,排除Meta分析及重复性研究,共纳入22篇文章。结合病例进行结果分析。 结果：随着诊疗水平的提高,应用食管支架治疗中晚期食管癌合并的食管恶性狭窄、食管瘘,取得了较为满意的效果。现在广泛应用的食管支架材料有wallstent支架、“Z”型支架、记忆金属支架、防反流金属支架、聚酯塑料支架等。阜新矿业集团总医院2000-11/2009-10采用食管支架置入治疗中晚期食管癌71例,取得较为满意的效果。患者置入支架后吞咽困难迅速得到缓解,有效率达100%。置入后患者均有不同程度疼痛及异物感,多可耐受。3例塑料支架移位和脱落,28例胃食管反流,1例大出血置入后12 h死亡,18例远期再狭窄。 结论：不同材料的食管支架置入治疗中晚期食管癌合并食管恶性狭窄、食管瘘有其各自的优缺点。wallstent支架置入后异物感明显,但不易移位。“Z”型支架更适应弯曲变形的病变部位及良性病变,支架易于调整和可以回收,并能减少支架再狭窄的发生。记忆金属支架与组织生物相容性好,支架的柔软性好,患者的异物感较轻。防反流金属支架使反流发生率明显降低。 关键词：食管支架;食管恶性狭窄;记忆金属支架;wallstent支架;生物相容性 doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.21.023     

The lower esophageal sphincter

The lower esophageal sphincters (LES) together with the crural diaphragm are the major antireflux barriers protecting the esophagus from reflux of gastric content. However, reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus is a normal phenomenon in healthy individuals occurring primarily during episodes of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR), defined as LES relaxation in the absence of a swallow. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is also the dominant mechanism of pathologic reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) patients. Frequency of TLESR does not differ significantly between healthy individuals and those with GERD, but TLESRs are more likely to be associated with acid reflux in GERD patients. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for elicitation of a TLESR, using recently introduced novel technology is an area of intense interest. Pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic manipulation of receptors involved in the control of TLESR has recently emerged as a potential target for GERD therapy.     

Ambulatory high-resolution manometry, lower esophageal sphincter lift and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation

Background Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) lift seen on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) is a possible surrogate marker of the longitudinal muscle contraction of the esophagus. Recent studies suggest that longitudinal muscle contraction of the esophagus induces LES relaxation. Aim Our goal was to determine: (i) the feasibility of prolonged ambulatory HRM and (ii) to detect LES lift with LES relaxation using ambulatory HRM color isobaric contour plots. Methods In vitro validation studies were performed to determine the accuracy of HRM technique in detecting axial movement of the LES. Eight healthy normal volunteers were studied using a custom designed HRM catheter and a 16 channel data recorder, in the ambulatory setting of subject’s home environment. Color HRM plots were analyzed to determine the LES lift during swallow‐induced LES relaxation as well as during complete and incomplete transient LES relaxations (TLESR). Key Results Satisfactory recordings were obtained for 16 h in all subjects. LES lift was small (2 mm) in association with swallow‐induced LES relaxation. LES lift could not be measured during complete TLESR as the LES is not identified on the HRM color isobaric contour plot once it is fully relaxed. On the other hand, LES lift, mean 8.4 ± 0.6 mm, range: 4–18 mm was seen with incomplete TLESRs (n = 80). Conclusions & Inferences Our study demonstrates the feasibility of prolonged ambulatory HRM recordings. Similar to a complete TLESR, longitudinal muscle contraction of the distal esophagus occurs during incomplete TLESRs, which can be detected by the HRM. Using prolonged ambulatory HRM, future studies may investigate the temporal correlation between abnormal longitudinal muscle contraction and esophageal symptoms.     

Diagnosis of supra‐esophageal gastric reflux: correlation of oropharyngeal pH with esophageal impedance monitoring for gastro‐esophageal reflux

Background Oropharyngeal (OP) pH monitoring has been developed as a new way to diagnose supra‐esophageal gastric reflux (SEGR), but has not been well validated. Our aim was to determine the correlation between OP pH and gastro‐esophageal reflux (GER) events detected by multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH). Methods Fifteen patients (11 males, median age 10.8 years) with suspected GER were prospectively evaluated with ambulatory 24‐h OP pH monitoring (positioned at the level of the uvula) and concomitant esophageal MII‐pH monitoring. Potential OP events were identified by the conventional pH threshold of <4 and by the following alternative criteria: (i) relative pH drop >10% from 15‐min baseline and (ii) absolute pH drop below thresholds of <5.5, 5.0, and 4.5. The 2‐min window preceding each OP event was analyzed for correlation with an episode of GER detected by MII‐pH. Key Results A total of 926 GER events were detected by MII‐pH. Application of alternative pH criteria increased the identification of potential OP pH events; however, a higher proportion of OP events had no temporal correlation with GER (45–81%), compared with the conventional definition of pH < 4 (40%). A total of 306 full‐column acid reflux episodes were detected by MII‐pH, of which 10 (3.3%) were also identified by OP pH monitoring. Conclusions & Inferences Use of extended pH criteria increased the detection of potential SEGR events, but the majority of decreases in OP pH were not temporally correlated with GER. Oropharyngeal pH monitoring without concurrent esophageal measurements may overestimate the presence of SEGR in children.     

Chicago classification criteria of esophageal motility disorders defined in high resolution esophageal pressure topography

BACKGROUND: The Chicago Classification of esophageal motility was developed to facilitate the interpretation of clinical high resolution esophageal pressure topography (EPT) studies, concurrent with the widespread adoption of this technology into clinical practice. The Chicago Classification has been an evolutionary process, molded first by published evidence pertinent to the clinical interpretation of high resolution manometry (HRM) studies and secondarily by group experience when suitable evidence is lacking. PURPOSE: This publication summarizes the state of our knowledge as of the most recent meeting of the International High Resolution Manometry Working Group in Ascona, Switzerland in April 2011. The prior iteration of the Chicago Classification was updated through a process of literature analysis and discussion. The major changes in this document from the prior iteration are largely attributable to research studies published since the prior iteration, in many cases research conducted in response to prior deliberations of the International High Resolution Manometry Working Group. The classification now includes criteria for subtyping achalasia, EGJ outflow obstruction, motility disorders not observed in normal subjects (Distal esophageal spasm, Hypercontractile esophagus, and Absent peristalsis), and statistically defined peristaltic abnormalities (Weak peristalsis, Frequent failed peristalsis, Rapid contractions with normal latency, and Hypertensive peristalsis). The Chicago Classification is an algorithmic scheme for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders from clinical EPT studies. Moving forward, we anticipate continuing this process with increased emphasis placed on natural history studies and outcome data based on the classification.     

Brain metastasis from esophageal carcinoma

Brain metastasis from esophageal carcinoma is rare. In our center, among 301 cases of esophageal cancer referred for radiotherapy during a 14-year period, brain metastasis from esophageal carcinoma was detected in one case. An unusual case of esophageal carcinoma that presented with brain metastasis is reported.     

Fragmented esophageal smooth muscle contraction segments on high resolution manometry: a marker of esophageal hypomotility

Background Esophageal peristalsis consists of a chain of contracting striated and smooth muscle segments on high resolution manometry (HRM). We compared smooth muscle contraction segments in symptomatic subjects with reflux disease to healthy controls. Methods High resolution manometry Clouse plots were analyzed in 110 subjects with reflux disease (50 ± 1.4 years, 51.5% women) and 15 controls (27 ± 2.1 years, 60.0% women). Using the 30 mmHg isobaric contour tool, sequences were designated fragmented if either smooth muscle contraction segment was absent or if the two smooth muscle segments were separated by a pressure trough, and failed if both smooth muscle contraction segments were absent. The discriminative value of contraction segment analysis was assessed. Key Results A total of 1115 swallows were analyzed (reflux group: 965, controls: 150). Reflux subjects had lower peak and averaged contraction amplitudes compared with controls (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Fragmented sequences followed 18.4% wet swallows in the reflux group, compared with 7.5% in controls (P < 0.0001), and were seen more frequently than failed sequences (7.9% and 2.5%, respectively). Using a threshold of 30% in individual subjects, a composite of failed and/or fragmented sequences was effective in segregating reflux subjects from control subjects (P = 0.04). Conclusions & Inferences Evaluation of smooth muscle contraction segments adds value to HRM analysis. Specifically, fragmented smooth muscle contraction segments may be a marker of esophageal hypomotility.     

Impact of opioids on esophageal motility

Opioids are well known to cause adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract including nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Data regarding how opioids affect the esophagus are more limited. Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) is a clinical syndrome defined by chronic opioid use (≥3 months), esophageal symptoms (mainly dysphagia), and esophageal motility abnormalities diagnosed by manometry including achalasia type III, hypercontractile esophagus, distal esophageal spasm, and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction. Up until now, the effect of opioids on esophageal motility assessed by the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) had not been described. In this issue of NGM, Patel et al. report that FLIP assessment in patients with esophageal symptoms showed that chronic opioid users have a significant increase in repetitive retrograde contractions, but no significant reduction in distensibility at the esophagogastric junction compared to non-users. Additionally, perceptive symptoms were higher, and quality of life metrics were lower in the chronic opioid users. This review article will discuss our current understanding of OIED and provide context for this latest study in chronic opioid users. Further investigation with larger prospective studies is needed to understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of OIED.     

Botulinum toxin injection in dysphagia syndromes with preserved esophageal peristalsis and incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation

Background Botulinum toxin injection into the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) treats dysphagia syndromes with preserved peristalsis and incomplete LES relaxation (LESR). We evaluated clinical and esophageal motor characteristics predicting response, and compared duration of efficacy to similarly treated achalasia patients. Methods Thirty‐six subjects (59 ± 2.2 years, 19F/17M) with incomplete LESR on high resolution manometry (HRM) treated with botulinum toxin injection were identified. Individual and composite symptom indices were calculated, and HRM characteristics extracted. Symptom resolution for 6 months was a primary outcome measure, and repeat botulinum toxin injection, dysphagia recurrence or employment of alternate therapeutic approaches were secondary outcome measures. Duration of response was compared using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves to a historical cohort of similarly treated achalasia subjects. Key Results Response lasted a mean of 12.8 ± 2.3 months. Symptom relief for >6 months was seen in 58.3%; short (<6 months) response was associated with younger age, higher chest pain index, and esophageal body spastic features (P ≤ 0.04). On multivariate logistic regression, chest pain, younger age and contraction amplitudes >180 mmHg independently predicted <6 months relief (P < 0.05 for each). On survival analysis, relief with a single injection extended to 1 year in 54.8% and 1.5 years in 49.8%, statistically equivalent to that reported by 42 similarly treated achalasia subjects (59 ± 3.2 years, 24F/18M). Symptom relief was more prolonged compared to achalasia when repeat injections were performed on demand (P = 0.003). Conclusions & Inferences Botulinum toxin injections can provide lasting symptom relief in dysphagia syndromes with incomplete LESR. Prominent perceptive symptoms and non‐specific spastic features may predict shorter relief.     

Hypercoagulability in acute esophageal variceal bleeding

In 15 patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding the thrombin-mediated fibrin monomer complexes (SFMC) and antithrombin III (AT III) were determined at frequent intervals during intensive care treatment to assess hypercoagulability. Levels of SFMC above 5 % of fibrinogen were observed in 10 out of 15 patients on admission, a further increase was noted in most of the patients during the following critical days. AT III was decreased to less than 50 % in 8 patients during the acute illness. Elevated levels of SFMC in addition to decreased levels of AT III following acute esophageal variceal bleeding reflect a serious state of hypercoagulability. Those patients have a very poor prognosis.     

Multiple brain abscesses following esophageal dilation

A 6-year-old boy esophageal stricture due to the ingestion of caustic 7 months prior to admission. Eight esophageal dilations and a feeding gastrostomy were performed. He presented with seizure, right-sided weakness, fever, and somnolence. Computed tomographic scans revealed multiple brain abscesses. The abscesses were treated by burr-hole drainage. The patient improved and was discharged from the hospital without neurological deficit. Brain abscesses are not very common following esophageal dilation. It should be kept in mind that brain abscess is a potential complication of esophageal dilation.     

Reversible esophageal motor dysfunction in botulism

Two cases of botulism with autonomic and neuromuscular system involvement are presented. In both patients, dryness of the mouth and difficulties in swallowing were predominant symptoms. Esophageal manometry revealed a marked decrease in peristaltic amplitude, which was most pronounced in the upper third of the esophagus. These functional abnormalities returned to normal following recovery from the acute disease.