Computer-assisted ambulatory long-term manometry of tubular esophagus

A two-channel 24-hr digital recording of esophageal pressure generates about 20 times more data than an esophageal pH-metry if an appropriate high sampling rate is used and unreduced data are stored. Because of this large amount of data, manual data evaluation is no longer feasible, and a computer-assisted procedure becomes necessary. The system presented here consists of a combined one-channel pH and two-channel pressure probe, a digital data logger, and a computer program for automated evaluation (CAMA). From the pH channel, standard variables (acid exposure time and number of reflux episodes) are calculated. The analysis of the pressure channels is completed in five distinct steps: (1) recognition of contractory events using dynamically recalculated baseline and threshold values, (2) characterization of contractory events, (3) rejection of artifacts, (4) classification of contractions, and (5) integrated analysis (frequency analysis, hourly patterns of single variables, relation to other external variables). This system has been used successfully more than 150 times in more than 120 patients and volunteers; validation was done for contraction characterization by comparing the system's performance with manual analysis and for contraction detection and classification by comparing its performance with a reference standard established from a questionnaire evaluated by international experts. In addition, the reproducibility of esophageal motility has been tested in a series of repeated measurements, and the system has been used to assess the 24-hr pattern of esophageal motility.Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft grant Em 36/2-1 and by Swiss National Foundation grant 32-26369.89     

High-resolution impedance manometry findings in patients with nutcracker esophagus

Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance findings and symptoms in patients with nutcracker esophagus (NE). Methods: After institutional review board approval retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who were diagnosed with NE as per the Chicago classification (distal contractile integral [DCI] > 5000 mmHg‐s‐cm) at Creighton University between October 2008 and October 2010. Patients with achalasia or a history of previous foregut surgery were excluded. NE patients were sub‐divided into: (i) Segmental (mean distal esophageal amplitude [DEA] at 3 and 8 cm above lower esophageal sphincter [LES] < 180 mmHg) (ii) Diffuse (mean DEA at 3 and 8 cm above LES > 180 mmHg) and (iii) Spastic (DCI > 8000 mmHg‐s‐cm). Results: Forty‐one patients (segmental: 13, diffuse: 4, spastic: 24) satisfied study criteria. Patients with segmental NE would have been missed by conventional manometry criteria as their DEA < 180 mmHg. A higher percentage of patients with spastic NE (63%) had chest pain when compared to patients with segmental NE (23%) and diffuse NE (25%). There was a significant positive correlation between chest pain severity score and DCI while there was no significant correlation between dysphagia severity and DCI. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with NE using the Chicago classification presence and intensity of chest pain increases with increasing DCI. The present criteria (> 5000 mmHg‐s‐cm) seems to be too sensitive and has poor symptom correlation. Adjusting the criteria to 8000 mmHg‐s‐cm is more relevant clinically.     

Simultaneous operation of concomitant diseases in the esophagus and lung

The aim of this study was to retrospectively review our experience of performing simultaneous operations on concomitant diseases in the esophagus and lungs. From January 1998 to July 2009, simultaneous operations were performed on 13 patients with concomitant esophageal and pulmonary diseases, using coordinated surgical approaches. Among the 13 patients, six had primary cancers in the esophagus and lungs, five had primary esophageal cancer accompanied by a benign pulmonary disease, one had benign diseases in both esophagus and lung, and one had primary esophageal cancer with metastasis to the left lower lung. All patients survived the operations. Two major complications occurred postoperatively. One complication was bronchopleural fistula and the other was intrathoracic gastric laceration. Both patients recovered after additional treatments. Simultaneous operation of concomitant diseases in the esophagus and lungs is feasible and safe in selected patients who have received careful preoperative assessment, well‐designed surgical approach, and proper perioperative management.     

pHmetry and manometry of the esophagus in patients with pain of the angina type and a normal angiography

The role of gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility abnormalities in patients with angina-type chest pain and normal coronary angiogram is not clear. The aim of this study was: a) to assess the importance of these two disorders in the same patients, b) to study the diagnostic usefulness of provocation tests, c) to determine final outcome in these patients. Seventeen patients with angina-type chest pain and normal coronary angiograms were studied to determine the diagnostic value of esophageal manometry, postprandial esophageal pH monitoring, provocation tests (methylergometrine stimulation, acid perfusion test) and endoscopy. Baseline esophageal motility was abnormal in 10 patients. Esophageal motility disorders were nonspecific in seven patients. Eight patients had reflux. The mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was decreased in these patients as compared with normals, and endoscopy showed a high Z line, and/or a large opening of the cardia in 7 of them. Neither conventional manometry nor postprandial esophageal pH monitoring allowed to consider the esophagus as responsible for chest pain. The methylergometrine test was positive in 4 patients (simultaneous occurrence of familiar pain and esophageal dysmotility). Baseline manometric studies did not allow to forecast the response to methylergometrine injection. The acid perfusion test was negative (no symptoms were reproduced) in all patients. After esophageal evaluation, 16 patients were followed for a mean of 26 +/- 9 months. No cardiac disorders appeared, but all patients continued to have pain, and 7 were incapable of working.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Transcutaneous cervical esophagus ultrasound in adults： Relation with ambulatory 24-h pH-monitoring and esophageal manometry

AIM To determine the gastroesophageal refluxate in the cervical esophagus (CE) and measure transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) findings [anterior wall thickness (WT) of CE, esophageal luminal diameter (ELD), esophageal diameter (ED)]; to compare TCEUS findings in the patient subgroups divided according to 24-h esophageal pH monitoring and manometry; and to investigate possible cut-off values according to the TCEUS findings as a predictor of gastroesophageal reflux (GER).METHODS In 45/500 patients, refluxate was visualized in TCEUS. 38/45 patients underwent esophagogastroduo denoscopy (EGD), 24-h pH monitoring and manometry.RESULTS The 38 patients were grouped according to 24-h pH monitoring as follows Group A GER-positive (n = 20) [Includes Group B isolated proximal reflux (PR) (n = 6), Group C isolated distal reflux (DR) (n = 6),and Group D both PR/DR (n = 8)]; Group E no reflux (n = 13); and Group F hypersensitive esophagus (HSE) (n= 5). Groups B D indicated total PR patients (n = 14),Groups E F reflux-negatives with HSE (n = 18), and Groups A F reflux-positives with HSE (n = 25). When the 38 patients were grouped according to manometry findings, 24 had normal esophageal manometry; 7 had hypotensive and 2 had hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES); and 5 had ineffective esophageal motility disorder (IEM). The ELD measurement was greater in group A F than group E (P = 0.023, 5.0 ± 1.3 vs 3.9 ± 1.4 mm). In 27/38 patients, there was at least one pathologic acid reflux and/or pathologic manometry finding. The cut-off value for ELD of 4.83 mm had 79% sensitivity and 61% specificity in predicting the PR between Groups B D and E (AUC = 0.775, P = 0.015).CONCLUSION Visualizing refluxate in TCEUS was useful as a pre-diagnostic tool for estimating GER or manometric pathology in 71.1% of adults in our study,but it was not diagnostic for CE WT.     

High-resolution manometry of the esophagus: more than a colorful view on esophageal motility?

Since the introduction of pressure measurement of the esophagus, there has been a stepwise improvement in manometric techniques and the recognition of esophageal manometry as a useful tool to evaluate esophageal function in clinical practice. The newest development in this field is high-resolution manometry of the esophagus. In this review, we will briefly discuss the indications for esophageal manometry and we will focus on the development of the technique of high-resolution manometry and the new insights that were obtained by using this emerging tool. We conclude that high-resolution esophageal manometry with spatiotemporal plotting of signals is a valuable research tool. Clinically, the solid-state high-resolution technique is attractive because it makes it easy to perform a high-quality manometric test. However, future studies will have to determine whether the yield of the technique is higher than that of conventional manometry.     

Simultaneous videoradiography and pharyngeal solid state manometry (videomanometry) in 25 nondysphagic volunteers

Recent technological advances in manometry, including solid state transducers and computerized analysis, allows for reliable interpretation of intraluminal pharyngeal pressures. Simultaneous videoradiography (barium swallow) provides fluoroscopic control of the manometric sensors (videomanometry), thereby eliminating the uncertainty of sensor dislocation during laryngeal elevation. This is the first study describing normal manometric parameters in videomanometry during barium swallow. Seven manometric parameters and six videoradiographic parameters were analyzed. We included 25 nondysphagic volunteers with normal videoradiographic parameters in the study. The examination was performed in an upright physiologic position during 10-ml barium and dry swallows. Mean resting pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter was 89.6±32.6 (±2 SD) mmHg. Mean residual pressure during relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter was 7.2±8.0 (±2 SD) mmHg during barium swallow and 3.8±6.2 (±2 SD) mmHg during dry swallow. The mean duration of upper esophageal sphincter relaxation was 601±248 (±2 SD) msec. The mean peristaltic contraction of the upper esophageal sphincter was 253.8±142.8 (±2 SD) mmHg. Fourteen (56%) of the 25 had a measurable intrabolus pressure (mean 33.2±17.3 mmHg) at the level of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor. A specific finding was discovered when the epiglottis tilts down hitting the manometric sensor. This epiglottic tilt was identified in 7 subjects (28%) and caused pressures of around 600 mmHg. A standardized manometric technique is important in videomanometry, and normal values as described in this study are essential in clinical use.     

Simultaneous superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and early gastric adenocarcinoma.

Although cases of simultaneous invasive cancer of the esophagus and primary gastric cancer have been reported sporadically, the incidence of the association of superficial esophageal cancer and early gastric cancer is extremely low. In this paper we report on two cases of the rare combination of superficial squamous cell cancer of the esophagus and simultaneous early adenocarcinoma of the stomach. A total of 18 such cases in the literature are reviewed and discussed with respect to surgical procedure and the choice of alimentary tract for the reconstruction of the esophagus.     

Simultaneous cineradiographic-manometric study of the distal esophagus: small hiatal hernias and rings

Manometric features were correlated with roentgen configurations of the esophagogastric region in subjects with hiatal hernias and with rings by simultaneous cineradiographic and manometric study. The supradiaphragmatic pouch in small hiatal hernias was shown to have two functionally distinct components. Its upper portion (vestibule) had sequential contractile motor activity in response to swallowing. The lower portion was inactive and represented the true hernial sac. A weblike ring (Schatzki) or notches were often identified at the junction of these two segments. There was no peristaltic activity at or below this type of ring. A broad ring with contractile radiological behavior at the upper margin of the vestibule showed resting high pressure which fell on swallowing. This differed from the resting high pressure zone of normals in being shorter in length and showing an abrupt rather than gradual transition to contiguous pressures. Retrograde barium flow from hernial sac into the tubular esophagus was not seen when such a contractile A-ring was evident. Retrograde barium flow into the esophagus from the hernial sac occurred in those subjects not having a resting high pressure zone. Such reflux was delayed as long as the peristaltic wave persisted in the vestibular segment above the hernial sac. A constriction above the hernial sac during retrograde flow presumably represents a residual manifestation of the peristaltic wave, is transient, and is not associated with elevated resting pressure. The pressure inversion point was inconstant in its location in hiatal hernia subjects. It was often located at the site of the upwardly displaced high pressure zone, although a second pressure inversion point could be identified at the hiatal level on deep inspiration.     

New diagnostic criteria for nutcracker esophagus using conventional water‐perfused manometry: A comparison between nutcracker esophagus with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background and Aim: Controversy continues as to whether nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a ‘real’ manometric disease due to its poor correlation with clinical symptoms such as chest pain or dysphagia. While new NE criteria were proposed in a recent study, that study included NE patients both with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to analyze both general NE (with or without GERD) and pure NE (without GERD) patients in terms of distal esophageal amplitude (DEA) and its correlation with symptoms. Methods: Using previously known normal DEA values (mean and SD), patients were stratified into three different groups: group A (DEA 180 to 220 mmHg, 2 to 3 SD), B (DEA 220 to 260 mmHg, 3 to 4 SD), and C (DEA > 260 mmHg, > 4 SD). Results: A total of 72 patients who simultaneously underwent esophageal manometry and 24‐h pH monitoring were diagnosed with NE. They were separated into groups A (n = 43), B (n = 18), and C (n = 11). Although the proportion of general NE patients with symptoms appeared to be greater in group A (65.6%) than in group C (90.9%), statistical analysis showed that this was not a significant correlation (P = 0.07). Pure NE patients were defined as those returning negative findings after 24‐h pH monitoring. These patients were separated into three groups based on the same DEA criteria as above: group A‐1 (n = 33), B‐1 (n = 11), C‐1 (n = 8). The proportion of patients with symptoms increased from 54.5% in group A‐1 to 87.5% in group C‐1, and this correlation was found to be significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There exists in the general NE population a subset with pure NE. DEA values correlated with symptoms in this subset.     

The value of conventional manometry in the identification of normal esophageal manometry

In the last decade, high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the main device for the management of dysphagia replacing conventional manometry (CM). Conventional manometry still seems to have some space to diagnose major motility disorders and differentiate normal from abnormal esophageal motility. The long term outcomes of patients with normal CM were analyzed in our study.Participants (patients with dysphagia and normal CM) took a questionnaire via a phone call in February 2021. Impact Dysphagia Questionnaire (IDQ) was used as an assessment tool.Only 55% (83/151) the individuals with previous normal manometric findings were reached via telephone. The group who have completed the survey was representative of the cohort. 66.2% of the participants were female (P = .40). The mean age was 57.21, mean weight was 70.69 kg, mean height was 163.74 cm and mean body mass index was 26.41. More than 40% of patients were completely asymptomatic at follow up, reflected by an IDQ score of 0. Only 28 out of 83 (33.7%) patients reported significant symptoms as reflected by an IDQ score greater than or equal to 7. The rest of responders admitted as having moderate to mild symptoms.HREM is a valid technique with comparable precision to CM. HREM measurements differ considerably to CM. The identification of normal motor function in CM is not likely a positive prognostic indicator and must be interpreted precautiously.     

Jackhammer esophagus: high‐resolution manometry and therapeutic approach using peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)

We present the first report on peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of jackhammer esophagus. A 34‐year‐old female patient was newly diagnosed with a jackhammer esophagus. After failure of medical treatment, the patient underwent POEM procedure for myotomy of the spastic segment. Postoperatively, a mild emphysema and pneumothorax occurred that required drainage and antibiotic therapy until full recovery. Discharge was possible after 5 days. Six months later, she presented with recurrent but mild pain due to a remnant spastic segment proximal to the myotomy. Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed twice within 6 weeks with full symptomatic relief of pain and mild symptoms of dysphagia.     

Mucosal ablation with photodynamic therapy in the esophagus: optimization of light dosimetry in the sheep model

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy is an attractive technique for mucosal ablation in patients with superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, or high-grade dysplasia or early stage adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus. Although illumination with green light is assumed to be safe, choice of the light has been empirical in clinical studies; light dose is often reduced to avoid potential complications. The present study assessed the safety of green and blue lights during photodynamic therapy in the esophagus by progressively administrating increasing doses in an attempt to standardize the dose and determine a safe upper limit. This would considerably simplify photodynamic therapy and improve therapeutic results. METHODS: The sheep model was chosen because of similarities with humans regarding the thickness and histologic structure of the esophagus. Irradiation with a 180 degrees windowed cylindrical light distributor was performed in 19 sheep 4 days after injection of 0.15 mg/kg of tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl) chlorin. Light doses ranged from 10 to 500 J/cm(2) at 514 nm (argon ion laser) and from 5 to 250 J/cm(2) at 413 nm (krypton laser). RESULTS: Follow-up endoscopies revealed a tissue response with a fibrinous area at almost all light doses, whereas application of extremely high light doses tended to induce circumferential necrosis with subsequent stenosis. Three months after irradiation with green light, histologic examination of the resected specimens revealed transmural scarring at doses higher than 100 J/cm(2). After illumination with blue light, partial or more extensive fibrosis of the muscular layer was observed only at light doses of 175 to 250 J/cm(2). CONCLUSIONS: Application of high doses of green light after sensitization with tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl) chlorin led to severe complications in the esophagus of the sheep that are highly likely to occur in humans as well. Blue light causes significantly less damage than green light and may, therefore, be considered as an alternative for photodynamic therapy of early stage superficial esophageal cancer.     

High-resolution manometry and impedance-pH/manometry: valuable tools in clinical and investigational esophagology

Both high-resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance-pH/manometry monitoring have established themselves as research tools and both are now emerging in the clinical arena. Solid-state HRM capable of simultaneously monitoring the entire pressure profile from the pharynx to the stomach along with pressure topography plotting represents an evolution in esophageal manometry. Two strengths of HRM with pressure topography plots compared with conventional manometric recordings are (1) accurately delineating and tracking the movement of functionally defined contractile elements of the esophagus and its sphincters, and (2) easily distinguishing between luminal pressurization attributable to spastic contractions and that resultant from a trapped bolus in a dysfunctional esophagus. Making these distinctions objectifies the identification of achalasia, distal esophageal spasm, functional obstruction, and subtypes thereof. Ambulatory intraluminal impedance pH monitoring has opened our eyes to the trafficking of much more than acid reflux through the esophageal lumen. It is clear that acid reflux as identified by a conventional pH electrode represents only a subset of reflux events with many more reflux episodes being composed of less acidic and gaseous mixtures. This has prompted many investigations into the genesis of refractory reflux symptoms. However, with both technologies, the challenge has been to make sense of the vastly expanded datasets. At the very least, HRM is a major technological tweak on conventional manometry, and impedance pH monitoring yields information above and beyond that gained from conventional pH monitoring studies. Ultimately, however, both technologies will be strengthened as outcome studies evaluating their utilization become available.     

Simultaneous leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: report of a new case

Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus is an uncommon neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. The simultaneous occurrence of leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus as separate tumors is a very rare event. We present a case leiomyosarcoma associated with squamous cell carcinoma that was diagnosed after surgical resection. The clinical, radiologic, endoscopic and pathologic findings of this rare entity, and four additional cases previously reported in the literature are reviewed.     

Simultaneous in utero assessment of AV nodal and ventricular electrophysiologic parameters in the fetal sheep heart

Background Fetal tachyarrhythmias are usually of supraventricular origin. To investigate whether specific electrophysiologic properties of the fetal heart contribute to this preponderance by either favoring supraventricular tachycardias or by rendering ventricular tachycardias unlikely, we measured fetal electrophysiologic parameters in utero using transuterine fetal transesophageal electrocardiograms in fetal sheep. Since overdrive pacing may help to establish the mechanism of an arrhythmia and may be used to treat fetal tachycardias, different modes of transesophageal pacing in utero were also assessed. Methods and results Decapolar electrophysiology catheters were fetoscopically inserted into the esophagus of 9 fetal sheep (pregnancy duration 94 – 105 days, term = 145 days). Electrocardiograms were recorded simultaneously from all adjacent bipoles and from two pacing wires sutured onto the fetal shoulders. Pacing was attempted either via two adjacent electrodes of the intraesophageal catheter or via the most distal and most proximal electrode. Fetal cycle length, PQ, and QT intervals were close to (approx. 75 %), but fetal QRS duration was < 20 % of maternal values, thus shifting the relation between activation and repolarization towards longer excitation wave lengths. Fetal QT dispersion was small (≤ 10 ms). Atrial pacing was achieved in all fetuses using distant electrodes, and with lower thresholds when compared to closely spaced bipolar electrodes (p < 0.05). Conclusions (I) An altered relation between ventricular activation and repolarization and a low dispersion of ventricular repolarization may protect the fetal heart against ventricular reentrant tachycardias. (II) Relatively normal fetal AV nodal conduction delay already provides one of the prerequisites for supraventricular reentrant tachycardias involving the AV node at this stage of fetal development. (III) High-rate esophageal pacing of the fetal atria is best achieved using widely spaced bipolar pacing electrodes. Received: 26 July 2000, Returned for 1. revision: 16 August 2000, 1. Revision received: 28 November 2000, Returned for 2. revision: 18 December 2000, 2. Revision received: 23 January 2001, Accepted: 24 January 2001