Esophageal function testing: role of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry

Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) is a relatively new technique that allows simultaneous measurement of intraesophageal pressures and bolus transit. Combined MII-EM has the ability to identify what percentage of manometric normal/peristaltic, ineffective, and simultaneous swallows have complete or incomplete bolus transit. Predictors of normal bolus transit in patients with ineffective esophageal motility are the distal esophageal amplitude, the number of sites with low amplitudes, and the overall number of manometric ineffective contractions. Outcome studies are necessary to evaluate whether combined MII-EM is superior to traditional manometry in evaluating patients with nonobstructive dysphagia and in identifying patients at risk for developing dysphagia after antireflux surgery.     

The effect of differential vagal nerve cooling on feline esophageal function

Studies were performed on four cats to examine the effects of differential vagal nerve cold blockade on the upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal peristalsis, and swallow-induced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Reversible vagal nerve blockade was accomplished by cooling the cervical nerve trunks. Pressures were measured using multi-lumen manometry tubes. Upper esophageal sphincter pressure (resting and response to intraesophageal balloon distention), primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis induced by intraesophageal balloon distention, and swallow-induced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation were evaluated at each temperature level, with vagal cooling from 20 degrees C to 0 degree C by 0.5 degree C decrements. Primary and secondary peristalsis were abolished at the same temperature. Swallow-induced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation was abolished at the same temperature that peristalsis was abolished. Upper esophageal sphincter pressure decreased by at least 25% at the same temperature that secondary peristalsis was abolished. Balloon distention-induced increase in upper esophageal sphincter pressure was not abolished prior to the decrease in resting pressure and, in the majority of experiments, was not abolished at any time during differential cooling. Prolonged complete vagal nerve blockade experiments demonstrated transient abolition and then return of balloon distention-induced reflex upper esophageal sphincter contraction. We conclude that: 1) differential vagal cooling does not allow separation of the contribution of different vagal fibres such as afferent vs efferent or excitatory versus inhibitory; 2) there is dual afferent innervation from the proximal cervical esophagus, allowing persistence of intraesophageal balloon distention-induced upper esophageal sphincter contraction during prolonged vagal cervical trunk blockade.     

Esophageal motility disorders and chest pain

Motility abnormalities have long been recognized as a possible esophageal cause of chest pain; however, their exact role and prevalence remain largely unknown. Baseline manometry and the various provocative tests may suggest an esophageal origin, but their yield is low. The recent advent of prolonged ambulatory monitoring of intraesophageal pressure and the assessment of psychological factors are contributing to a clearer understanding of this complex problem.     

Long-term results of laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication in patients with esophageal reflux and disorders of esophageal peristalsis

BACKGROUND: Gastrosophageal reflux disease (GERD) of long duration is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. This condition has been considered unsuitable for antireflux surgery. METHODS: In order to investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, we studied 67 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal body function who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. A standardized questionnaire, upper GI endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 28 months (range, 6-54 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus (level 3, 4, and 5), frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous and interrupted waves and total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were-evaluated. RESULTS: Following antireflux surgery 65 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy, confirmed by histology. The rate of dysphagia was reduced from 49% preoperatively to 9% postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in esophageal peristalsis after the antireflux procedure. The median DeMeester reflux score was reduced from 33.3 to 1.1 (p < 0.001). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and intra-abdominal length were normal after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility in the long term. Postoperative dysphagia is avoided by improving esophageal body function.     

Multichannel intraluminal impedance: general principles and technical issues

Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) is a new technology that allows detection of bolus movement without the use of external radiation or radiolabeled substances. The principles of MII are based on changes in resistance to alternating electrical current (impedance) induced by the presence of various boluses within the esophagus. The timing of changes in multiple impedance-measuring segments in the esophagus allows determination of the direction of bolus movement. Combined MII and manometry (MII-EM) provides simultaneous information on intraesophageal pressures and bolus transit, offers the ability to monitor all types of reflux, and allows the detection of the physical (liquid, gas, or mixed) and chemical (acid, nonacid) characteristics of the gastroesophageal refluxate.     

电针足三里穴对猫食管体动力的影响

目的：观察电针健康猫足三里穴对食管体部运动的影响,研究足三里穴与食道动力调节之间的关系。方法：健康家猫28只,均行内镜检查,确定无镜下食管病（炎）,随机分为足三里组、非经穴组各14只,分别应用食管测压系统测定电针双侧足三里穴与非经穴前后猫食管体部下段及上段蠕动波压力（KEPP）及传导速度。结果：电针前及电针期2组食管体部KEPP及传导速度差异均无统计学意义。电针停止后60min,足三里组食管体部下段KEPP及传导速度较电针前明显升高（88.9±23.3mmHg与75.6±19.8mmHg,3.6±1.7cm／s与1.7±0.5cm／s,均P〈0.05）,非经穴组各时段均无明显改变。结论：电针健康猫足三里穴可引起食管体部下段蠕动波压力及传导速度显著增加,其机制尚未完全阐明。     

Early changes in oesophageal function in progressive systemic sclerosis: a comparison of manometry and radiology

Summary. The characteristics of oesophageal dysfunction were studied with manometry and cine radiography in a recumbent position in 21 patients with typical progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Manometry was also performed in a matched control group. Only one patient had a completely normal manometry. Mean resting pressure in both the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters were significantly decreased in PSS. Twelve patients had no detectable peristalsis in the lower oesophagus. In the upper oesophagus, the mean pressure amplitude of the peristaltic wave was found to be lower than normal in all patients with detectable peristalsis. In some patients, the only feature of oesophageal dysfunction observed was an increased speed of the peristaltic wave in the middle and lower oesophagus. This is interpreted as an impaired coordination of the propulsive peristalsis. Neuromuscular dysfunction of the oesophagus in its full length was thus clearly demonstrated. At cine radiography, three patients were judged as normal, and 13 patients had severe impairment of the peristaltic function in the distal two-thirds of oesophagus. Oesophageal scoring based on manometry correlated well to scoring based on radiography. Cine radiography of the recumbent patient gives adequate information for clinical purposes. Detection of early changes in the amplitude and speed of the propagation wave requires manometry.     

Esophageal dysmotility in patients who have eosinophilic esophagitis

The understanding of esophageal motility alterations in patients who have eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is in its infancy despite the common presenting complaint of dysphagia. A diversity of motility disorders has been reported in patients who have EE including achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and nonspecific motility alterations including high-amplitude esophageal body contractions, tertiary contractions, abnormalities in lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and other peristaltic problems. Some evidence suggests that treatment of EE will improve motility. Technological advances such as high-resolution manometry and combined manometry with impedance may provide new insight into more subtle motility abnormalities.     

Relationship of radionuclide liquid bolus transport and esophageal manometry

Using simultaneous esophageal manometry and radionuclide transit studies, we compared liquid bolus transport with the various parameters of esophageal contractions. Study subjects included seven normal individuals, six patients with the "nutcracker esophagus" (mean distal peristaltic amplitude greater than 180 mm Hg), and three patients with spastic motility disorders. Manometric studies were performed when the subjects were in the basal state and after intravenous administration of edrophonium and atropine. Simultaneous radionuclide studies were done with subjects in the supine position by swallows of 250 mu Ci technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid in 10 ml water. We found that normal liquid bolus transport (less than 15 seconds) is primarily dependent on the presence of a peristaltic wave front throughout the esophagus. Above a threshold pressure of 30 mm Hg, liquid transport was not affected by amplitude (33 to 500 mm Hg) or duration (3 to 15 seconds) of esophageal contractions. Repetitive wave forms also gave normal transit times as long as the wave front was peristaltic in onset. There was a significant inverse correlation (-0.65; P less than 0.001) between liquid transit time and peristaltic velocity. Prolonged radionuclide transport (30 to less than 50 seconds) was observed only with nonperistaltic contractions and very low amplitude (15 to 30 mm Hg) peristaltic waves.     

Prokinetic medication after surgical therapy of reflux patients with disorders of esophageal peristalsis: a randomized clinical study

BACKGROUND: Long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. Partial posterior fundoplication improves esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate whether administration of the prokinetic agent cisapride enhances this effect. METHODS: Forty consecutive GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis entered the study and were randomized in two groups: group 1 with and group 2 without postoperative treatment with cisapride (6 months, 20 mg twice daily). Four patients had to be excluded during the study. Esophageal motility was analyzed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery by measuring contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of simultaneous and interrupted peristaltic waves and total number of defective propagations. RESULTS: In both groups esophageal peristalsis was improved significantly following partial posterior fundoplication (p < 0.05; Wilcoxon Test). However, this effect was significantly more pronounced in patients receiving cisapride medication postoperatively (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure, intra-abdominal sphincter length and the DeMeester reflux score were normalized in both groups following antireflux surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication combined with postoperative cisapride medication seems to be the therapy of choice in GERD patients with impaired esophageal body motility.     

Movement of the Feline Esophagus Associated with Respiration and Peristalsis. AN EVALUATION USING TANTALUM MARKERS

The outer, lateral esophageal walls in the distal half of the esophagus in each of five cats were labeled with small tantalum wires. About 8 wk later, esophageal motion associated with respiration and peristalsis, induced by injecting barium boli (5 ml each) into the proximal esophagus, was recorded on cine and serial biplane roentgenograms while recording intraluminal esophageal pressures simultaneously by manometry. Esophageal motion was also evaluated without a manometric tube in place. The coordinates for each marker were digitized and a computer was used to plot marker position against time. During respiration, the markers passively made a shallow, 2-10 mm excursion on the longitudinal esophageal axis. This movement was synchronous with thoracic and diaphragmatic movement and changes in intraluminal esophageal pressure. Immediately after the onset of peristalsis, the markers made a pronounced oral movement of 10 mm or more above their mean respiratory position, as if to engulf the bolus. Markers in opposing esophageal walls approximated one another and commenced an aboral movement as the bolus tail, which was essentially co-incident with onset of the manometric pressure complex, passed the marker sites. The markers returned to their respective rest positions essentially coincident with passage of the pressure complex peak and then moved below their respective rest positions. The aboral excursion occurred predominantly after the bolus had emptied into the stomach. The magnitude and duration of oral excursion was significantly greater for the distal than for the more proximal markers; conversely, the magnitude and duration of aboral excursion was greater for the proximal than for the more distal markers. During the peristaltic sequence, the labeled portion of the esophagus shortened from 26 to 46% of its resting length. No evidence of esophageal torque was shown. These findings suggest that both the longitudinal and circular esophageal musculature play an active and important role during peristaltic transport of a bolus through the esophagus.     

The effect of glucagon on esophageal peristalsis and clearance

The effect of 0.5 mg intravenous glucagon on esophageal peristalsis and transit of water and barium was studied in nine healthy subjects by concurrent videofluoroscopy and manometry.Glucagon lowered manometric peristaltic amplitude in both mid- and distal esophagus. This reached significance (p=0.0075) in the distal 3 cm of the esophagus 2 min after the injection. The efficiency of esophageal stripping was also reduced (increased proximal escape on fluoroscopy), and became significant (p=0.05) at 2 min after the injection of glucagon.     

Specificity and sensitivity of esophageal motor abnormality in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and related diseases: A cineradiographic study

Using cineradiography, we studied esophageal peristalsis in patients with suspected systemic sclerosis and related diseases, and in patients without known esophageal disease who had been referred for upper gastrointestinal series. Patterns of peristaltic abnormality were identified, and specificity and sensitivity values calculated. Esophageal aperistalsis was 100% specific, and consistently weak peristalsis after all, swallows was 88% specific for systemic sclerosis. Specificity decreased to 70% in patients over age 60. Abnormal peristalsis after some, but not all, swallows had only 52% specificity. Consistently abnormal peristalsis (absent or diminished) was 67% sensitive for scleroderma. Although a high sensitivity value (87%) for cineradiography can be obtained by considering any peristaltic abnormality as a sign of scleroderma, this is achieved at the price of an undesirably high number of false positives (specificity 40%).     

Test of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

It should be considered that the causes of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are multifactorial. Esophageal manometry study is useful when we make distinguish patients with esophageal motility disorders from those with refractory GERD. Endoscopic ultrasonography is also performed to observe the thickness of esophageal wall which represents the disturbance of esophageal motor function. Esophageal pH monitoring is useful to detect the acid clearance disturbance and phenomenon of nocturnal acid breakthrough. Both are occurred at night, and are recently considered to be responsible for refractory GERD. Catheter-free pH monitoring system, Bravo, makes it possible to measure esophageal pH under quite physiological conditions. Genotype of CYP2C19 is sometimes checked in patients with PPI resistance GERD. Intra-gastric pH with omeprazole and lansoprazole depends on patient's genotype of CYP2C19. Monitoring of 24-hour bilirubin, Bilitec, is also useful to detect duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux.     

Ambulatory combined pH, bile and manometric monitoring of the oesophagus in asymptomatic healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND: With the development of sophisticated equipment ambulatory studies of oesophageal motor function, pH and bilirubin have gained in popularity. The aim of the study was to present reference values for combined 24 h pH, bilirubin and manometric measurements of the oesophagus. METHODS: Twenty-six (15 male) healthy volunteers without symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux underwent a 24-h ambulatory oesophageal combined three-channel pressure, acid and bilirubin detection. RESULTS: The subjects were studied for a median of 20 h (16-22). The median per cent time with pH < 4 for the whole measured time was 3.1 (0.8-14; 5 and 95 percentiles). Bile was detected for a median of 0.05% (0.0-8.5; 5 and 95 percentiles) of the time. Eighty-one per cent of the contractions were peristaltic, 55% of which were complete. Of these, 53% had a pressure over 30 mmHg at all three pressure points, giving an efficient peristalsis in a median of 29% (13-46; 5 and 95 percentiles) of all registered contractile patterns. No difference between the genders could be observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative data for ambulatory oesophageal manometry, pH and bilirubin studies that can be used for comparing with patients with disease.     

海洛因成瘾者食管运动功能研究

目的海洛因成瘾者常伴腹痛、胸部不适、反酸、反食等症状,是否存在食管运动功能紊乱有待探讨。方法随机抽取海洛因或瘾者41例。按年龄及性别配对41例健康对照组,采用PCPolygrafHR高分辨多通道灌注测压系统对82例研究对象进行食管动力的研究。测量下食管括约肌长度(LESL)、压力(LESP)、松弛率(LESR)、近端收缩压(NSP)、远端收缩村(FSP)等指标,并分析不同的吸毒年限、吸嗜方式、吸嗜量对食管动力的影响。结果海洛因成瘾者LESP、LESR与正常组相比(P<0.05),且病理性蠕动多峰波或双峰波、同步收缩比例则显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05);吸嗜量越大对食管动力损伤越大;肌肉注射、静脉注射海洛因对食管运动功能的损害明显大于香烟、烫吸方式。结论海洛因成瘾者存在食管运动功能紊乱,因此,其中吸嗜量、吸嗜方式与食管动力学指标异常有关系,在戒断康复治疗过程中,必须对此引起足够的重视。     

高频腔内超声对胃食管反流患者食管运动功能的评价

目的 应用高频腔内超声与食管测压同步检测胃食管反流病(GERD)患者的食管运动功能异常情况,并尝试论证腔内超声评估食管运动功能异常的有效性和可行性,以及食管压力与食管壁肌层厚度之间的关系.方法 10例经内镜及24 h食管pH检测确诊为GERD的患者,5例正常志愿者作为对照.经鼻腔导入高频超声探头(频率20 MHz,直径1.9 mm)及四通道水灌注式测压导管,在观察静息及吞咽时食管压力变化的同时,同步记录食管的运动影像,并计算出下食管括约肌上端5 cm、10 cm、1 5 cm及20 cm处食管环形肌和纵形肌的收缩指数、收缩周期及食管截面积.同时,通过测压导管同步监测湿咽时食管的最大压力值,计算其与同一位置的食管最大肌层厚度之间的相关性.结果 10例GERD患者与正常对照组相比,食管各段环形肌、纵形肌收缩指数均明显缩小(P＜0.05);收缩周期有延长的趋势;而最大截面积与正常对照组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).食管各段的最大压力值与同一部位的最大肌层厚度之间存在正相关(r=0.552～0.736).结论 食管各部位的最大压力值与最大肌层厚度之间存在正相关;GERD患者存在食管运动功能的异常,食管壁的舒缩能力下降以及收缩周期延长可能影响食管的廓清力,从而与GERD的发病有直接关系;同时,高频腔内超声为功能性胃肠病的诊断及其临床研究提供了一种新的方法.     

Influence of bolus temperature on human esophageal motor function

Hot and cold water, in comparison to room temperature water, ingested by normal young men, profoundly alters esophageal motor function. Cold water slows or abolishes esophageal peristalsis, prolongs the contraction wave in the distal esophagus, produces a delayed but prolonged relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, and regularly causes a lower esophageal sphincteric contraction of increased amplitude. It does not, however, diminish the frequency of response of the lower esophageal sphincter even when the peristaltic wave above is abolished. Hot water, on the other hand, accelerates the response of the esophagus to the swallow; this change is reflected by increased speed of wave propagation, waves of shorter duration, a more brief relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, and a lower esophageal sphincter contraction of less amplitude. Hot water may even increase the frequency of peristalsis at least in the proximal esophagus. In spite of these changes, however, neither extreme of temperature altered the rapid passage of the water swallows through the more proximal portions of the esophagus. Hot water tended to traverse the lower esophageal sphincter more rapidly than did room temperature water, but cold water was often delayed in entering the stomach and tended to pool in the distal esophagus even though sphincteric relaxation was manometrically complete and prolonged.     

Lower-esophageal sphincter function does not determine resting upper-esophageal sphincter pressure.

Records of 269 esophageal motility studies were reviewed to determine the relationship between lower-esophageal sphincter (LES) function and upper-esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure. Average and greatest UES pressures were similar in patients with LES pressures less than 10 mm Hg or greater than 20 mm Hg, and in patients with and without gastroesophageal reflux as determined by an intraesophageal pH electrode test. Although teliologically appealing, the belief that patients with weak lower-esophageal sphincters and gastroesophageal reflux have stronger upper-esophageal sphincters to guard against pharyngeal reflux and aspiration cannot be confirmed by current manometric techniques.     

弥漫性食管痉挛患者食管动力与精神心理因素相关性研究

目的：探讨弥漫性食管痉挛（diffuse esophageal spasm,DES）与精神心理因素的关系。方法：使用高分辨多道灌注测压系统（PC polrraf HR瑞典产）,分别对20例对照组、两组各19例弥漫性食管痉挛患者钙拮抗剂联用和非联用抗焦虑药物的服药前后不同时段进行食管动力测定。结果：服药前两组DES食管下段蠕动波幅,食管收缩时间,食管体部运动异常检出率三项指标均高于对照组,服药后30 d两组DES患者与用药前比较,三项指标测定均有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。用药15 d联用抗焦虑药物组的三项指标改善明显优于不联用抗焦虑药物组（P〈0.05）。服药后DES组食管下段蠕动波幅、食管收缩时间和食管体部运动异常检出率与对照组比差异无显著性（P〉0.05）。结论：食管运动功能紊乱、中下段高幅蠕动、收缩时间延长在DES发病中起重要作用,精神和心理因素是重要致病因素。治疗中不可缺少联用抗焦虑药物。