Should patients with Barrett's oesophagus be kept under surveillance? The case for

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with high mortality rates and its incidence is increasing more rapidly than any other gastrointestinal cancer in the Western world. Several factors, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, smoking, alcohol and male gender, are associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma but none can be used to identify accurately those individuals who will develop adenocarcinoma. It is generally accepted that oesophageal adenocarcinoma arises predominantly in Barrett's oesophagus and it is arguable that Barrett's oesophagus is currently the only clinically useful predictor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surveillance - periodic testing to detect adenocarcinoma or its precursor, high grade dysplasia - is widely recommended for patients with Barrett's oesophagus with the aim of reducing mortality from oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The annual incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's oesophagus is 0.5%-1.0% although there is marked variation between studies, attributable variously to publication bias, concurrent acid suppression therapy and differences in patient characteristics. There is limited evidence that surveillance reduces the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma or consequent mortality and the cause of death for patients undergoing surveillance is often unrelated to oesophageal disease. There are, nonetheless, observational studies which suggest that surveillance is associated with earlier detection of malignancy and a reduction in mortality; in addition, data from modelling studies suggest that surveillance can be cost-effective. Furthermore, the advent of new, non-surgical treatments (endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation) for high grade dysplasia and early cancer has reduced the risks associated with therapy for disease detected during surveillance. Surveillance programs have high drop out rates and, for patients who continue surveillance, adherence to standard, published protocols is highly variable. The establishment of specialist Barrett's oesophagus surveillance programs, with coordinator support, has considerable potential to improve adherence to current guidelines, pending the acquisition and publication of data from ongoing studies of chemoprophylaxis and surveillance in the management of Barrett's oesophagus. In consequence, although there is a paucity of data providing unequivocal demonstration of benefit, there is no proof that surveillance is ineffective. It is, therefore, appropriate to offer surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus in accordance with locally-applicable published guidelines after a full informed discussion of the risks and benefits of surveillance and therapy; continued participation should be reviewed regularly to accommodate changes in the patient's health and expectations.     

Gastric emptying and duodeno-gastro-oesophageal reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies present conflicting results regarding relationship between gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Reflux of duodenal content to oesophagus is generally considered to be associated with more severe disease. AIM: To assess presence of a gastric emptying disorder in persons with reflux of duodenal contents to oesophagus and to identify any correlation with gastric emptying and oesophageal motility. METHODOLOGY: A total of 15 subjects with (B+) and 15 subjects without (B-) bile reflux to oesophagus determined by 24-hour bilirubin monitoring were studied with scintigraphic solid gastric emptying and 24-hour oesophageal manometry. RESULTS: There was no difference in lag phase [median 23.7 (range 10.8-44.0) vs 24.6 (8.1-40.1) min], half emptying time [74.6 (48.0-93.6) vs 82.8 (54.4-153.9) min] or emptying rate [0.89 (0.59-1.34) vs 0.83 (0.36-1. 15)%/min] for B- and B+ subjects, respectively. In addition, there was no difference in emptying rate of gastric fundus between B- and B+ subjects. Subjects with bile reflux had less effective oesophageal contractions of oesophageal body [9.4(3.3-37)%] compared to subjects without bile reflux [32(19-47)%, p = 0.002]. However, there was no correlation between oesophageal motility and gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a gastric emptying disorder is a less likely contributing cause of bile reflux to the oesophagus, but bile reflux is associated with less effective oesophageal motility.     

Pathophysiological characteristics of long- and short-segment Barrett's oesophagus

BACKGROUND: Depending on the length of the segment of columnar epithelium in the distal oesophagus, Barrett's oesophagus can be divided into long-segment and short-segment Barrett's oesophagus. This article describes the pathophysiological characteristics of both forms of Barrett's oesophagus. METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: Although there is some disagreement, ours and most other studies suggest that long-segment columnar-lined oesophagus is causally linked to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux and that this from of Barrett's oesophagus is characterized by lower oesophageal sphincter tone, reduced oesophageal contractility and increased acid reflux. Short-segment Barrett's oesophagus is also associated with acid reflux, but the degree of oesophageal acid exposure and the level of other pathophysiological alterations seem to be lower. CONCLUSION: Pathophysiological abnormalities appear to be more prominent in long-segment Barrett's oesophagus than in short-segment Barrett's oesophagus.     

Lichen planus in the oesophagus: are we missing something?

Lichen planus of the oesophagus is rare with a predilection for middle-aged to elderly women. There is a potential risk of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus still accounts for 30-40% of oesophageal cancer cases in the west and is almost exclusively the disease still encountered in the rest of the world. An increased awareness of oesophageal lichen planus is suggested in patients with cutaneous, oral or vulval disease. Endoscopic investigation of patients with lichen planus, possibly initially limited to those with oesophageal symptoms, and consideration of surveillance in patients with proven oesophageal lichen planus, will aid understanding of natural history of lesions and may help detect early stage tumours. Squamous cell carcinoma still accounts for 30-40% of oesophageal cancer cases in the west and is almost exclusively the disease still encountered elsewhere. Lichen planus of the oesophagus is potentially a premalignant condition for squamous cell carcinoma that could be surveilled in order to detect early-stage tumours with a consequent greater chance of cure. Oesophageal lichen planus is, however, rare, frequently asymptomatic and although the majority of cases occur in conjunction with lichen planus in other sites, the oesophageal features may be subtle and easily missed by endoscopic assessment. Furthermore, the histological changes are difficult to interpret and there may be significant underreporting. As a consequence, the true prevalence of these lesions is hard to determine. The difficulties in detection may mean that we are underestimating the frequency of oesophageal lichen planus. Endoscopic detection may be aided by the use of magnification indigo carmine chromoendoscopy and this warrants further evaluation. The risk of malignant transformation is currently unknown but may parallel that of oral lesions at approximately 1-3%. An increased awareness of the condition can only help to identify more cases and increase our understanding of this interesting condition.     

Impaired oesophageal transit of capsule versus tablet formulations in the elderly.

Drug induced oesophageal injury is an important and preventable cause of iatrogenic injury. In most cases the injury is considered to be due to mucosal contact from formulations lodged in the oesophagus. A scintigraphic study was performed comparing the oesophageal transit of enteric coated tablets with similar sized and shaped gelatin capsules, using a population of elderly healthy volunteers similar in age (50-79 years) to the population most likely to be receiving regular treatment. Twenty three volunteers injected the radiolabelled tablet or capsule with 50 ml of water while sitting on two separate occasions according to a randomisation schedule. Oesophageal transit was assessed by gamma scintigraphy. Gastric residence was also assessed in 11 of 23 subjects. While the tablet was readily cleared from the oesophagus, mean transit time 4.3 seconds (range 1.0-14.0), the capsule often showed a comparatively prolonged holdup, mean transit time 20.9 seconds (range 1.5-174.5). Ten of 11 tablets emptied from the stomach intact, while all 11 capsules broke up in the stomach. Gelatin capsules showed a clear tendency to remain within the oesophagus of healthy elderly volunteers, while similar sized enteric coated tablets did not. These studies show the importance of assessing oesophageal transit when designing the formulation of drugs with a potential for oesophageal injury.     

Are screening and surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus really worthwhile?

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma has a low incidence and still remains an uncommon cancer; however, it has been on the rise over the past 20 years. Barrett's oesophagus, a complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, is the only known precursor of this adenocarcinoma. It can often be asymptomatic and probably goes undiagnosed in the majority of the population. There are no direct data supporting the practice of screening for Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma among the general population or even in patients with chronic reflux symptoms. However, many argue that the detection of neoplasms at a curable state in a high risk population can perhaps justify screening endoscopy. No prospective, controlled trials have been conducted to support the effectiveness of surveillance, but some indirect evidence does exist. The cost effectiveness of surveillance programmes needs to be further assessed in prospective studies. Ultimately, the use of better tools to diagnose Barrett's oesophagus and dysplasia and the identification of high risk groups for progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma could potentially make screening and surveillance a cost effective practice.     

Non-achalasic motor disorders of the oesophagus

Motor abnormalities of the oesophagus are characterised by a chronic impairment of the neuromuscular structures that co-ordinate oesophageal function. The best-defined entity is achalasia, which is discussed in a separate chapter. Other motor disorders with clinical relevance include diffuse oesophageal spasm, oesophageal dysmotility associated with scleroderma, and ineffective oesophageal motility. These non-achalasic motor disorders have variable prevalence but they could be associated with invalidating symptoms such as dysphagia, chest pain and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. New oesophageal diagnostic techniques, including high-resolution manometry, high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound and intraluminal impedance, allow (1) better definition of peristalsis and sphincter function, (2) assessment of changes in oesophageal wall thickness, and (3) evaluation of pressure gradients within the oesophagus and across the sphincters that can produce normal or abnormal patterns of bolus transport. This chapter discusses recent advances in physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of non-achalasic oesophageal motor disorders.     

Neoadjuvante und adjuvante Therapie des Magen- und ?sophaguskarzinoms

The prognosis of locally advanced gastric and oesophageal cancers is poor, but it has been shown that multimodal treatment can lead to better outcomes than surgery alone. Two randomised studies conducted in Europe have shown that perioperative chemotherapy does significantly improve the survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and oesophagogastric junction. These results have had a profound effect on the treatment of patients presenting with stage II or stage III disease. Because of the results of recent meta-analyses, patients with locally advanced adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy. Squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus is treated with chemoradiation. Secondary resection is optional. Patients with locally advanced gastric and oesophageal cancer should always be referred to an experienced high-volume centre where findings are discussed by a multidisciplinary tumour board. It has been demonstrated that outcomes are better when such patients are treated in designated centres.     

Radionuclide transit studies in the detection of oesophageal dysmotility

A scintigraphic method is described to measure the transit of a fluid bolus through the oesophagus. Transit times in 16 normal subjects ranged from five to 15 seconds and were highly reproducible. Prolonged transit times were observed in 16 of 19 patients with known oesophageal motility disorders, and in these patients inspection of the time activity curves frequently permitted an adynamic oesophagus to be distinguished from one showing excessive incoordinate contractions. The technique was then applied prospectively to 50 patients referred for oesophageal motility studies and a comparison made between the oesophageal transit measurements and the findings on conventional oesophageal manometry. There was agreement between these tests in 42 (84%) of the 50 patients. The measurement of oesophageal transit may be made quickly and safely, without causing discomfort to the patient, and it appears to be at least as sensitive as manometry in the detection of oesophageal motility disorders.     

Secular trends in the epidemiology and outcome of Barrett's oesophagus in Olmsted County, Minnesota

BACKGROUND: The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has increased greatly. Barrett's oesophagus is a known risk factor. AIMS: To identify changes in the incidence, prevalence, and outcome of Barrett's oesophagus in a defined population. SUBJECTS: Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with clinically diagnosed Barrett's oesophagus, or oesophageal or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Cases were identified using the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system. Records were reviewed with follow up to 1 January 1998. RESULTS: The incidence of clinically diagnosed Barrett's oesophagus (>3 cm) increased 28-fold from 0.37/100 000 person years in 1965-69 to 10.5/100 000 in 1995-97. Of note, gastroscopic examinations increased 22-fold in this same time period. The prevalence of diagnosed Barrett's oesophagus increased from 22.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.7-33.6) per 100 000 in 1987 to 82.6/100 000 in 1998. The prevalence of short segment Barrett's oesophagus (<3 cm) in 1998 was 33.4/ 100 000. Patients with Barrett's oesophagus had shorter than expected survival but only one patient with Barrett's oesophagus died from adenocarcinoma. Only four of 64 adenocarcinomas occurred in patients with previously known Barrett's oesophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of clinically diagnosed Barrett's oesophagus have increased in parallel with the increased use of endoscopy. We infer that the true population prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus has not changed greatly, although the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma increased 10-fold. Many adenocarcinomas occurred in patients without a previous diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus, suggesting that many people with this condition remain undiagnosed in the community.     

Achalasia cardia presenting as stridor

Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder of the oesophagus characterized by aperistalsis of the oesophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. It usually presents with dysphagia, regurgitation and heartburn. It may have various respiratory manifestations. Rarely, it may be complicated by acute airway compromise causing stridor. This case report presents an elderly woman with massive dilatation of the oesophagus secondary to achalasia, who presented with a short history of heartburn and rapid deterioration of her respiratory status due to tracheal compromise and stridor as a result of achalasia. The various hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of this rare complication are described.     

Cure of Barrett's carcinoma by ifosfamide chemotherapy

The prognosis of patients with oesophageal cancer is poor, with an overall 5-year survival rate below 15%. The best chance for cure of patients with oesophageal cancer is surgical resection. However, more than 50% of patients have inoperable disease and can only be palliated for dysphagia. Some of these patients participate in studies investigating the activity of single-agent or combination chemotherapy. We report a patient who was cured of metastatic adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus by six courses of ifosfamide, a chemotherapeutic agent with little or no activity in other patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction. After a follow-up of 13 years and 7 months, no evidence of tumour recurrence was found, while biopsies from the Barrett's oesophagus revealed only low-grade dysplasia. This case obviously raises the question as to how patients with inoperable oesophageal carcinoma can sometimes be cured by chemotherapy alone.     

Upper gastrointestinal diseases in the elderly: report of a meeting held at Vicenza, Italy, on 20 March 1998.

The aim of this article is to summarize the recent progress in geriatric/gastroenterological topics, particularly of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which were the focus of the First International Meeting on Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases in the Elderly, held in Vicenza, Italy, in March 1998. The Meeting was divided into three sections: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in the elderly, Helicobacter pylori infection in the elderly, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the upper gastrointestinal tract in the elderly. GORD presents unique clinical features in elderly patients. The changes in oesophageal function, particularly disorders of motility, only partially explain its unique clinical manifestation. The diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of GORD in the elderly need to be studied with attention to avoid its severe local complications, i.e. bleeding, stenosis and Barrett's oesophagus, as well as the more generalized risks of disability, impairment of nutritional status and reduction in the quality of life. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of H. pylori infection increases with ageing and that subjects living in nursing homes have discrete epidemiological characteristics which render them a high-risk group. The incidence of some histological modifications of the gastric mucosa, particularly intestinal metaplasia, gastric atrophy and gastric cancer, seems to be both age- and H. pylori-related; their study in elderly subjects could give the key to understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of H. pylori gastric damage. NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage, particularly haemorrhage, increases with age. Ageing, per se, does not modify significantly gastric aggressive factors, such as acid and pepsin secretions; however, a selective and specific reduction in some gastric defensive mechanisms seems to occur with ageing. Clinical studies on prevention of NSAID damage have rarely been performed in an elderly population, and meta-analyses of published data can lead to conflicting conclusions from a pharmaco-economic perspective. The identification of risk factors of NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage must be the foundation of preventive medical care for elderly subjects.     

Current advances in the physiopathology of primary motility disorders of the esophagus

The authors review the recent literature about the classification of primary motor disorders of the oesophagus: achalasia, diffuse oesophageal spasm, nutcracker oesophagus, hypertensive lower oesophageal sphincter and non-specific intermediary disorders. In fact these motility disorders belong to a spectrum of diseases closely related, with chronological transformation of a specific disorder to another one or to intermediary disorders. Most of the recent pathophysiological research concerned primary achalasia, secondary achalasia syndromes being a kind of experimental model. These studies point to a morphological or functional deficiency of postganglionic nerves inhibiting the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) through noncholinergic nonadrenergic neurotransmitters. Recent advances in the treatment of achalasia and other motility disorders are not yet based on these findings. Although calcium channel blockers, like nifedipine, lower LOS basal pressure, they are not very useful on long term relief of symptoms of achalasia. Pneumatic dilatations or cardiomyotomy still remain the best methods of treatment of this disease.     

Familial aggregation of Barrett's oesophagus,oesophageal adenocarcinoma,and oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma in Caucasian adults

BACKGROUND: Although familial clusters of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma have been reported, a familial predisposition to these diseases has not been systematically investigated. AIMS: To determine whether Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal (or oesophagogastric junctional) adenocarcinoma aggregate in families. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire eliciting details on reflux symptoms, exposure history, and family history was given to Caucasian case (n=58) subjects with Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma, and to Caucasian control (n=106) subjects with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without Barrett's oesophagus. Reported diagnoses of family members were confirmed by review of medical records. RESULTS: The presence of a positive family history (that is, first or second degree relative with Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma) was significantly higher among case subjects compared with controls (24% v 5%; p<0.005). Case subjects were more likely to be older (p<0.001) and male (74% v 43% male; p<0.0005) compared with control subjects. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, family history was independently associated with the presence of Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (odds ratio 12.23, 95% confidence interval 3.34-44.76) after adjusting for age, sex, and the presence of obesity 10 or more years prior to study enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma are more likely to have a positive family history of Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma than individuals without Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma. A positive family history should be considered when making decisions about screening endoscopy in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux.     

Pathophysiological characteristics of the various forms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: Spectrum disease or distinct phenotypic presentations?

BACKGROUND: The traditional approach to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease as a spectrum disease has recently been criticised and the distinct phenotypic presentations model has been proposed. AIM: To evaluate the main pathophysiological characteristics of various gastro-oesophageal reflux disease presentations. METHODS: Oesophageal manometry and 24-h pH-monitoring were performed in a gastro-oesophageal reflux disease series collected in a 7-year period. RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-one subjects were studied. Mean total percentage acid reflux time was significantly higher in long-segment Barrett's oesophagus and in ulcerative oesophagitis than in all the other gastro-oesophageal reflux disease groups, whilst in short-segment Barrett's oesophagus results were quite similar to those found in non-erosive reflux disease and in erosive reflux disease. Patients with ulcerative oesophagitis and long-segment Barrett's oesophagus were older than all the other gastro-oesophageal reflux disease groups. The mean lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was significantly reduced in non-erosive reflux disease, erosive reflux disease, ulcerative oesophagitis, short-segment Barrett's oesophagus and long-segment Barrett's oesophagus as compared with functional heartburn and hypersensitive oesophagus and with controls. CONCLUSIONS: In keeping with the spectrum model of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, severity of acid reflux increases from non-erosive reflux disease through erosive reflux disease up to ulcerative oesophagitis and long-segment Barrett's oesophagus. Ulcerative oesophagitis and long-segment Barrett's oesophagus could represent an advanced step in the natural history of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Our results do not confirm the distinct phenotypic presentations hypothesis.     

Intra-oesophageal acid suppression in complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: esomeprazole versus lansoprazole

BACKGROUND: Acid suppression is the mainstay of therapy in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Esomeprazole 40 mg is more effective than lansoprazole 30 mg in healing mucosal lesions in severe erosive reflux oesophagitis. However, data comparing esomeprazole with lansoprazole in patients with complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, such as ulcerative reflux oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus, are lacking. AIM: To compare the efficacy of esomeprazole and lansoprazole at their standard dosages in suppressing oesophageal acid exposure in complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: Thirty patients with complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (7 with ulcerative reflux oesophagitis and 23 with Barrett's oesophagus), randomly assigned to receive 40 mg esomeprazole (n=16) or 30 mg lansoprazole (n=14) once daily, underwent oesophageal 24-h pH monitoring while on therapy. Total, upright diurnal and supine nocturnal percentage acid reflux time were assessed. RESULTS: Esomeprazole was significantly more effective than lansoprazole in decreasing oesophageal acid exposure. Normalisation of both total and supine nocturnal percentage acid reflux time was obtained in 12 of 16 (75%) patients treated with esomeprazole but only in 4 of 14 (28%) cases treated with lansoprazole (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Normalisation of oesophageal acid exposure can be achieved in the majority of complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease cases with esomeprazole 40 mg once daily.     

Correlation of oesophageal acid exposure with Barrett's oesophagus length

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) plays a major role in the development of Barrett's oesophagus. However, it has yet to be elucidated what factors determine the length of Barrett's mucosa in each individual patient. AIMS: To determine if there is a correlation between oesophageal acid exposure and the length of Barrett's mucosa. We also compared the extent of oesophageal acid exposure between patients with short segment (SSBE) and long segment (LSBE) Barrett's oesophagus. METHODS: Twenty seven patients with Barrett's oesophagus were recruited prospectively into the study from the outpatient gastroenterology clinic at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus and its anatomical characteristics were determined during upper endoscopy. Ambulatory 24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring assessed the extent of oesophageal acid exposure. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between per cent total time pH less than 4 and length of Barrett's mucosa (r=0.6234, p=0.0005). In addition, there was a significant correlation between per cent upright and supine time pH less than 4 and length of Barrett's mucosa (r=0.5847, p=0.0014 and r=0.6265 p=0.0006, respectively). Patients with SSBE had significantly less oesophageal acid exposure than patients with LSBE, in terms of both per cent total time and per cent supine time pH less than 4 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The length of Barrett's mucosa correlated with the duration of oesophageal acid exposure. Patients with LSBE experienced significantly more oesophageal acid exposure than patients with SSBE. Duration of oesophageal acid exposure appears to be an important contributing factor in determining the length of Barrett's mucosa.     

Quantitative assessment of the response to therapy in achalasia of the cardia.

Radionuclide oesophageal transit studies and manometry have been carried out in 15 patients with achalasia of the cardia, before treatment, after a course of nifedipine and after pneumatic bag dilatation. Transit studies were also done in 10 patients after cardiomyotomy and in 10 normal subjects. Images were recorded with the subjects seated in front of a gamma camera while swallowing a 10 ml bolus of 99Tcm-tin colloid and then after a further drink of 50 ml water. There was marked retention of tracer in the oesophagus in patients with achalasia compared with rapid clearance in control subjects. Bag dilatation significantly reduced lower oesophageal sphincter pressure but there was no significant difference in the 50% clearance time or percentage dose retained at 100s before and after the treatments. Oesophageal clearance of tracer after the additional drink of water, was improved by bag dilatation. Oesophageal transit in the patients after cardiomyotomy was similar to that in patients who had undergone bag dilatation. There was considerable retention of the tracer in the oesophagus overnight, but this did not result in pulmonary aspiration. Radionuclide oesophageal transit studies provided a quantitative assessment of therapy in achalasia and the proportion of tracer retained after the additional drink proved to be a sensitive measure of response to treatment. Nifedipine proved ineffective as a treatment for achalasia. Bag dilatation and cardiomyotomy were of similar value.     

The significance of cagA(+) Helicobacter pylori in reflux oesophagitis

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a gastroduodenal pathogen associated with ulceration, dyspepsia, and adenocarcinoma. Recent preliminary studies have suggested that H pylori may be protective for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition, strains of H pylori identified by the presence of the cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) are shown to have a significant inverse association with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Given that cagA(+) H pylori may protect against oesophageal carcinoma, these strains may be protective for oesophagitis, a precursor of oesophageal carcinoma. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cagA(+) H pylori and endoscopically proved oesophagitis. PATIENTS: The study group included 1486 patients attending for routine upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. METHODS: At endoscopy the oesophagus was assessed for evidence of reflux disease and graded according to standard protocols. Culture and histology of gastric biopsy specimens determined H pylori status. The prevalence of cagA was identified by an antibody specific ELISA (Viva Diagnostika, Germany). RESULTS: H pylori was present in 663/1485 (45%) patients and in 120/312 (38%) patients with oesophagitis. Anti-CagA antibody was found in 499/640 (78%) H pylori positive patients. Similarly, anti-CagA antibody was found in 422/521 (81%) patients with a normal oesophagus and in 42/60 (70%) with mild, 24/35 (69%) with moderate, and 11/24 (46%) with severe oesophagitis. The risk of severe oesophagitis was significantly decreased for patients infected with cagA(+) H pylori after correction for confounding variables (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.80; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that infection by cagA(+) H pylori may be protective for oesophageal disease.