Esophageal contractions and oropharyngeal and esophageal transits in patients with iron deficiency anemia

OBJECTIVE: Patients with iron deficiency may have reduced power of the pharyngeal muscle for bolus propulsion into the esophagus. We hypothesized that esophageal muscle is similarly impaired. METHODS: We studied the oropharyngeal and esophageal transits and esophageal motility of 12 patients (11 women) aged 31-50 yr (median 36 yr) with iron deficiency anemia (serum iron less than 40 microg/dl) and 17 normal volunteers (16 women) aged 26-52 yr (median 37 yr) with serum iron greater than 60 microg/dl. The esophageal motility was studied by the manometric method, with continuous perfusion and 10 swallows of a 2-ml bolus of water alternated with 10 swallows of a 7-ml bolus; and the oropharyngeal and esophageal transits were studied by scintigraphy, with swallows of a 10-ml bolus for the study of oropharyngeal transit and of a 10-ml bolus for the study of esophageal transit. Motility and transit were studied in the supine position. RESULTS: The amplitude, duration and area under the curve of contractions were lower in patients than in volunteers. There were no differences in peristaltic contraction velocity, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation duration. There was no difference in oropharyngeal transit. In the esophagus the transit was slower in patients than in volunteers. The time needed by the scintigraphic activity to reach a peak in the proximal esophagus was longer in patients than in volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency may decrease esophageal contractions and impair esophageal transit.     

Aging and esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: Alterations of esophageal contractions may worsen the esophageal lesions caused by gastroesophageal reflux. The impairment of the contractions may be localized only in the distal esophagus or in the entire esophageal body, and may be worse with the aging process. AIMS: To evaluate the proximal and distal esophageal contractions in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms with or without esophagitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied esophageal motility in 104 patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, 42 with normal esophageal endoscopic examination, 47 with mild esophagitis and 15 with severe esophagitis. The esophageal contractions were measured by the manometric method at 2, 7, 12 and 17 cm from the upper esophageal sphincter, after five swallows of a 5 mL bolus of water. RESULTS: The amplitude and area under the curve of contractions were lower in patients with severe esophagitis than in patients without esophagitis or with mild esophagitis in the distal part of the esophageal body (17 cm from the upper esophageal sphincter). In the proximal esophageal body there was no difference in amplitude or area under the curve. In the entire esophageal body there was no difference between the three groups of patients in duration, velocity of peristaltic contractions, or proportion of failed, simultaneous, non-propagated or peristaltic contractions. There was no difference between the patients with less than 50 years or with more than 50 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe esophagitis had lower distal esophageal contraction amplitude than patients without esophagitis or with moderate esophagitis. There was no effect of aging on esophageal contractions.     

Proximal Esophageal Contractions in Laryngectomized Patients

After laryngectomy for treatment of laryngeal cancer, the distal esophageal contractions have low amplitude. Our hypothesis is that proximal esophageal contractions are also impaired. We studied the proximal esophageal contractions in 20 laryngectomized patients (16 men) with a mean age of 44.2 years, 12 rehabilitated patients with esophageal speech, and 12 controls (7 men, mean age of 46.5 years). We used the manometric method with continuous perfusion. All subjects were studied in the sitting position and performed five swallows of a 5-ml bolus of water alternated with five dry swallows. The contractions were measured 2 cm below the high-pressure zone of the pharyngoesophageal transition. The results showed that the amplitude and duration of contractions were different in laryngectomized patients compared with controls. The amplitude of contractions of patients (wet swallows: 37.3 ± 20.7 mmHg, mean ± SD) was lower than that of controls (81.1 ± 31.7 mmHg). The duration of contractions was also lower in laryngectomized patients (2.2 ± 0.7 s) than in controls (2.6 ± 0.6 s). We conclude that the proximal esophageal contraction amplitude and duration of laryngectomized patients are lower than controls, a fact suggesting that laryngectomy may affect the proximal esophageal contractions.     

Effect of bolus volume on proximal esophageal contractions of patients with Chagas' disease and patients with idiopathic achalasia

Chagas' disease and idiopathic achalasia patients have similar impairment of distal esophageal motility. In Chagas' disease, the contractions occurring in the distal esophageal body are similar after wet or dry swallows. Our aim in this investigation was to evaluate the effect of wet swallows and dry swallows on proximal esophageal contractions of patients with Chagas' disease and with idiopathic achalasia. We studied 49 patients with Chagas' disease, 25 patients with idiopathic achalasia, and 33 normal volunteers. We recorded by the manometric method with continuous water perfusion the pharyngeal contractions 1 cm above the upper esophageal sphincter and the proximal esophageal contractions 5 cm from the pharyngeal recording point. Each subject performed in duplicate swallows of 3‐mL and 6‐mL boluses of water and dry swallows. We measured the time between the onset of pharyngeal contractions and the onset of proximal esophageal contractions (pharyngeal‐esophageal time [PET]), and the amplitude, duration, and area under the curve (AUC) of proximal esophageal contractions. Patients with Chagas' disease and with achalasia had longer PET, lower esophageal proximal contraction amplitude, and lower AUC than controls (P≤ 0.02). In Chagas' disease, wet swallows caused shorter PET, higher amplitude, and higher AUC than dry swallows (P≤ 0.03).There was no difference between swallows of 3‐ or 6‐mL boluses. There was no difference between patients with Chagas' disease and with idiopathic achalasia. We conclude that patients with Chagas' disease and with idiopathic achalasia have a delay in the proximal esophageal response and lower amplitude of the proximal esophageal contractions.     

Proximal and distal esophageal contractions in patients with vigorous or classic esophageal Chagas' disease

BACKGROUND: Some patients with achalasia have distal esophageal contraction amplitude in the normal range, a condition called vigorous achalasia, and others have low contraction amplitude, a condition named classic achalasia. The difference in distal contraction amplitude may also be associated with a difference in proximal contraction amplitude. AIM: To study the proximal and distal esophageal contractions in patients with Chagas' disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 28 patients with Chagas' disease, all with dysphagia and an esophageal radiologic examination with retention without dilation, and 18 controls. The patients with Chagas' disease had vigorous achalasia (distal amplitude over 34 mm Hg, n = 13) or classic achalasia (distal amplitude below 34 mm Hg, n = 15). We measured the contractions by the manometric method with continuous perfusion at 2, 7, 12 and 17 cm below the upper esophageal sphincter after five swallows of a 5 mL bolus of water. RESULTS: There was no difference in proximal amplitude of contractions between classic or vigorous achalasia, and controls. In the proximal esophagus there was also no difference in duration or area under curve of contractions. In the distal esophagus, duration and area under curve were lower in classic than vigorous disease. Failed and simultaneous contractions were more frequent in patients than controls. Simultaneous contractions were seen more frequently in classic disease, and peristaltic contractions were seen more frequently in vigorous disease. CONCLUSION: We did not find differences in proximal esophageal contractions of patients with classical or vigorous esophageal Chagas' disease, except for the higher number of simultaneous contractions seen in classic disease.     

Esophageal function testing with combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry: multicenter study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) assesses esophageal function by simultaneous measurement of both pressure and bolus transit. Normative data for this method have not been published. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for combined MII-EM and to correlate liquid and viscous bolus transit by impedance with esophageal contractions by manometry. METHODS: Forty-three normal volunteers recruited from 4 centers (15 women, 28 men; age range, 21-72 years) underwent combined MII-EM with a catheter containing 4 impedance-measuring segments and 4 solid-state pressure transducers. Each center recruited and analyzed subjects independently, according to pre-established criteria. Each subject received 20 x 5 mL swallows, 10 liquid and 10 viscous material. Tracings were analyzed manually for bolus presence time, bolus head advance time, segmental transit times, total bolus transit time, contraction amplitude, duration, and onset velocity. RESULTS: Ninety-seven and four-tenths percent of manometrically normal liquid and 96.1% of manometrically normal viscous swallows had complete bolus transit by impedance. Almost half (47.2%) of manometrically ineffective liquid and 34.7% of ineffective viscous swallows had complete bolus transit, whereas 91.7% of manometric simultaneous liquid swallows and 54.5% of simultaneous viscous swallows had complete bolus transit. More than 93% of normal individuals had at least 80% complete liquid or at least 70% complete viscous bolus transit. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes normative data for combined MII-EM. Combined MII-EM may be a more sensitive tool in assessing esophageal function compared to standard manometry because impedance can distinguish different bolus transit patterns. Studies in patients with manometrically defined esophageal motility abnormalities should help clarify the functional importance of manometric ineffective and simultaneous swallows.     

Evaluation of esophageal motility in laryngectomized patients

Laryngectomy for treatment of laryngeal-pharyngeal carcinomas may impair the sensation in the larynx and epiglottis, with consequent impairment of esophageal motility. Our aim in the present study was to investigate the esophageal motility of laryngectomized patients. Esophageal manometry was performed on 17 patients submitted to laryngectomy 2 to 71 months (median 29 months) before the examination. Eleven were rehabilitated with esophageal voice and six could not speak. Ten swallows of a 5 ml bolus of water were recorded at the lower esophageal sphincter and at 5, 10 and 15 cm above it. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure was measured by the rapid pull-through method and the upper esophageal sphincter pressure by the station pull-through method. The results were compared with those obtained for a control group of 40 healthy volunteers. The amplitude of contractions was lower and the number of nonperistaltic contractions was higher in laryngectomized patients than in volunteers (P < 0.05). The duration of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (7.4 +/- 1.5 s) was shorter in laryngectomized patients than in volunteers (8.8 +/- 1.6 s, P < 0.05). The upper esophageal sphincter pressure was lower (34.9 +/- 29.1 mm Hg) in laryngectomized patients than in volunteers (61.2 +/- 20.8 mm Hg, P < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in contraction duration or velocity, in the numbers of multipeaked or failed contractions, lower esophageal sphincter pressure or in the number of swallows followed by complete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. In conclusion, laryngectomy causes esophageal motility impairment characterized by low contraction amplitude, nonperistaltic contraction and shorter lower esophageal sphincter relaxation duration.     

Comparison of esophageal motility impairment caused by Chagas' disease in two age groups

BACKGROUND: Chagas' disease and the aging process cause loss of neurons of the esophageal myenteric plexus. AIM: To evaluate the esophageal motility impairment caused by Chagas' disease in two age groups. Our hypothesis was that the aging process may cause further esophageal motility impairment in patients with Chagas' disease. METHODS: We studied the esophageal motility of 30 patients with Chagas' disease and dysphagia, with esophageal retention of barium sulfate and an esophageal diameter within the normal range. Fifteen were 34 to 59 years old (younger group, median 51 years) and 15 were 61 to 77 years old (older group, median 66 years). As a control group we studied 15 subjects aged 33 to 58 years (median 42 years) and 7 subjects aged 61 to 73 years (median 66 years). The esophageal contractions were measured by the manometric method with continuous perfusion after five swallows of a 5 mL bolus of water at 2, 7, 12 and 17 cm below the upper esophageal sphincter. RESULTS: Patients with Chagas' disease had lower amplitude of contractions and fewer peristaltic, more simultaneous, and more non-conducted contractions than controls. Older patients with Chagas' disease had lower amplitude of contractions in the distal esophagus (mean +/- SE: 30.8 +/- 4.3 mm Hg) than younger patients (51.9 +/- 8.6 mm Hg). From 12 to 17 cm, older patients had more non-conducted (41%) and fewer peristaltic (8%) contractions than younger patients (non-conducted: 16%, peristaltic: 21%). CONCLUSION: Older patients with Chagas' disease with clinical and radiological examinations similar to those of younger patients had motility alterations suggesting that the aging process may cause further deterioration of esophageal motility.     

Influence of Esophageal Motility on Esophageal Speech of Laryngectomized Patients

After laryngectomy for treatment of cancer of the larynx, the patient may have vocal rehabilitation by esophageal speech. Some patients fail to achieve the esophageal speech due to reasons involving surgery, radiotherapy, and psychological alterations. Our hypothesis is that the esophageal motility alterations consequent to laryngectomy may be involved in the failure to achieve esophageal speech. Using manometry with continuous perfusion, we studied the esophageal motility of 25 laryngectomized patients, 10 of them able to produce esophageal speech and 15 unable to produce esophageal speech, and 40 asymptomatic normal volunteers. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was measured by the rapid pull-through method and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure by the station pull-through method. The contractions were measured at 5, 10, and 15 cm above the LES after the subjects performed 10 swallows with a 5-mL bolus of water. By comparing volunteers and laryngectomized patients, we found a lower UES pressure, lower amplitude of contractions, and increased percentage of simultaneous contractions in laryngectomized patients (p <0.05). There was no difference between patients able and unable to produce esophageal speech in LES and UES pressure, esophageal contraction duration and velocity, or in the percentage of failed and simultaneous contractions. The esophageal contraction amplitude was lower in patients who acquired esophageal speech than in patients who did not (p <0.05 at 10 cm from LES). We conclude that there are esophageal motility alterations in laryngectomized patients but only the decrease of esophageal contraction amplitude seems to be associated with the acquisition of esophageal speech.     

Assessment of esophageal motor function using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry in healthy volunteers: a single-center study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) allow simultaneous measurement of both pressure and bolus transit. The aim of this study was to establish normative data in Chinese subjects for combined MII-EM and to correlate liquid and viscous bolus transit by impedance with esophageal contractions by manometry. METHODS: Eighteen normal volunteers (six women and 12 men; mean age 24 years, range 19-36 years) underwent combined MII-EM with a catheter containing four impedance-measuring segments and five solid-state pressure transducers. Each subject received 10 liquid and 10 viscous material swallows of 5 mL each. Tracings were analyzed for bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, contraction amplitude, duration, and onset velocity. RESULTS: A total of 180 liquid and viscous swallow responses were analyzed. In all, 98.4% percent of manometrically normal liquid and 97.7% of manometrically normal viscous swallows had complete bolus transit by impedance. More than half (56.3%) of manometrically ineffective liquid and 50% of ineffective viscous swallows had complete bolus transit. Nearly 90% of normal individuals had at least 70% complete liquid bolus transit while more than 90% of normal individuals had at least 70% complete viscous bolus transit. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes normative data for combined MII-EM in a healthy Chinese population. These data will help provide impedance application in esophageal function testing with a reference range that could be utilized by future studies or clinical practices involving Chinese subjects.     

Normal values for manometry performed with swallows of viscous test material

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal function testing with combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) is performed using ten 5-ml liquid and viscous swallows. Diagnosis of bolus transit abnormalities identified by impedance is based on both liquid and viscous swallows. Manometric diagnosis is based solely on liquid swallows. The aim of this study was to establish the normal values for manometry performed with a viscous bolus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MII-EM studies performed in 80 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The analyzed manometric parameters included contraction amplitude and duration, distal onset velocity and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure. RESULTS: Mean distal esophageal amplitude (DEA) (mmHg) for liquid swallows was 104 (+/-44) and for viscous swallows 102 (+/-51). Viscous versus liquid swallows were characterized by higher contraction amplitudes at 10 cm above the LES, slower distal onset velocities and higher LES residual pressures. Duration of contractions was similar between liquid and viscous swallows. Upper normal limits for viscous swallows were: 204 mmHg for DEA (mean+/-2 SDs); 6 ineffective and 1 simultaneous swallows and 11.7 mmHg for LES residual pressure (95th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the following values should be considered normal for manometry performed with viscous swallows: 相似文献   

Hypocontraction of the esophagus in patients with Chagas' disease and with primary achalasia

The esophageal contraction amplitude is low in patients with Chagas' disease and patients with primary achalasia but not every swallow is followed by low contraction amplitude. We evaluated the number of low contraction amplitude in 40 normal volunteers, 99 Chagas' disease patients and 14 patients with primary achalasia. Each subject performed 10 swallows of a 5 mL bolus of water and the esophageal motility was measured at 5, 10 and 15 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter by the manometric method with continuous perfusion. The amplitude of contraction was considered to be low when its value was below 30 mm Hg. There was a hypotensive contraction when the amplitude was low or when the contraction failed. The number of hypotensive contractions was higher in patients with Chagas' disease and patients with achalasia than in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). Patients with Chagas' disease and abnormal esophageal radiological examination but without dilation had more frequent hypotensive contraction than patients with normal esophageal radiologic examination (P < 0.01). The same results were obtained for subjects with three or more hypotensive contractions (P < 0.01). The patients with Chagas' disease and dysphagia had more hypotensive contractions than patients without dysphagia (P < 0.05). We conclude that patients with Chagas' disease and patients with primary achalasia have a higher number of hypotensive contractions following wet swallows than normal volunteers, a fact that should influence the symptomatology of the patients.     

Esophageal solid bolus transit: studies using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry in healthy volunteers

The purpose of this study is to apply combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII‐EM) to test esophageal function during solid swallowing in a normal healthy population. We determined whether combined MII‐EM with solid bolus is more sensitive than that with viscous bolus in the detection of motility abnormality. Eighteen healthy volunteers (11 men and 7 women; mean age 22 years, range 20–26 years) underwent combined MII‐EM with a catheter containing four impedance‐measuring segments and five solid‐state pressure transducers. Each subject received 10 viscous and 10 solid materials. Tracings were analyzed manually for bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, contraction amplitude, duration, and onset velocity. Three hundred and sixty swallows including viscous and solid materials were analyzed. Contraction amplitude for the viscous swallows was higher at 20 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (P= 0.049) but lower at 15 cm above the LES (P < 0.001). Duration of contractions for the solid swallows was longer at 15 cm (P= 0.002) and 10 cm above the LES (P= 0.011) compared with viscous swallows. The total bolus transit time for solid was significantly shorter than that for viscous boluses (6.8 vs. 7.7 seconds, P < 0.001). Bolus presence time appeared to be similar between viscous and solid boluses (except in the proximal esophagus). The percentage of swallows with ineffective peristalsis by manometry, as well as those with incomplete bolus transit by impedance, did not differ between viscous and solid swallows. The proportion of manometrically ineffective solid swallows with incomplete bolus transit was greater than that of viscous swallows (62.1% vs. 34.8%, P= 0.05). Application of solid boluses may potentially enhance diagnostic capability of esophageal function testing. Solid boluses can be regarded as a valuable complement to viscous boluses in the detection of esophageal motility abnormalities when applied with combined MII‐EM.     

Effect of bolus taste on the esophageal transit of patients with stroke

Stroke is a frequent cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia but may also cause alterations in esophageal motility. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of bolus taste on the esophageal transit of patients with stroke and controls. Esophageal transit and clearance were evaluated by scintigraphy in 36 patients in the chronic phase of stroke (44–82 years, mean: 63 years) and in 30 controls (33–85 years, mean: 59 years). The patients had a stroke 1–84 months (median: 5.5 months) before the evaluation of esophageal transit. Eight had dysphagia. Each subject swallowed in random order and in the sitting position 5 mL of liquid boluses with bitter (pH 6.0), sour (pH 3.0), sweet (pH 6.9), and neutral (pH 6.8) taste. Transit and clearance duration and the amount of residues were measured in the proximal, middle, and distal esophageal body. There was no difference between patients and controls in esophageal transit or clearance duration. In the distal esophagus, the transit and clearance durations were longer with the sour bolus than with the other boluses in both patients and controls. The amount of residues in the esophageal body was greater in patients than in controls after swallows of the neutral bolus. In control subjects, after swallows of a sour bolus, there was an increase in the amount of residues in the middle and distal esophagus compared with the other boluses. In conclusion, a sour bolus with low pH causes a longer transit and clearance duration in the distal esophageal body. There was no effect of bolus taste or pH on the esophageal transit of patients in the chronic phase of stroke compared with normal volunteers. The longer transit and clearance duration in the distal esophageal body with the sour bolus appears to be a consequence of the low pH of the bolus.     

Solid swallowing versus water swallowing: manometric study of dysphagia

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a soft solid bolus can induce abnormal manometric patterns in patients with dysphagia and normal standard manometry. The study group comprised 12 normal volunteers and 22 patients with dysphagia. Manometry was performed using 10 wet swallows followed by 10 swallows of marshmallow. The results show: (1) in normal subjects the mean contraction amplitude is significantly greater (P<0.035) and the velocity of propagation significantly slower (P<0.003) for soft solid swallows compared with wet swallows; (2) in normal subjects there are fewer abnormal contractions after soft solid swallows than after wet swallows; (3) in 15 patients, soft solid swallows induced nonperistaltic contractions and/or contractions of extreme amplitude and/or duration that were not observed after wet swallows; 94) in patients, the probability of inducing abnormal contractions after soft solid swallows is significantly greater than after wet swallows (P<0.0001). We conclude that soft solid swallowing is useful in the study of patients with dysphagia.Part of this work was presented by Dr. Argaman as a thesis, to the Technion Medical School, for his MD.     

The effect of mosapride on esophageal motility and bolus transit in asymptomatic volunteers

GOALS: To evaluate the effect of mosapride, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 agonist, on esophageal motility and bolus transit in asymptomatic volunteers. STUDY: Twenty healthy subjects participated in two experiments, 7 days apart, and we utilized a randomized, double-blind cross-over design with 3-day pretreatments of placebo or mosapride. All subjects underwent combined intraluminal impedance manometry. RESULTS: There was no difference in the amplitude, the duration, and the esophageal peristaltic patterns between the two pretreatments. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and the number of transient LES relaxations did not change after mosapride vs. placebo. However, the rate of complete bolus transit in liquid swallows was higher with mosapride pretreatment (92.2%) than with placebo (84.6%; P < 0.01). The total bolus transit time in all liquid swallows showed a tendency to shorten after mosapride treatment (P = 0.06). The liquid bolus transit became faster after mosapride, especially in manometrically ineffective liquid swallows (P < 0.01). The total bolus transit time for manometrically normal viscous swallows decreased after pretreatment with mosapride (7.7 seconds; range, 6.8-9.2) in comparison with placebo (8.1 seconds; range, 7.1-11.1; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mosapride increases the rate of complete bolus transit in the esophagus, and enhances esophageal bolus transit in asymptomatic volunteers.     

Differences in response of the proximal esophagus to wet swallows in patients of Chagas'' disease and idiopathic achalasia

Chagas' disease and idiopathic achalasia have similar esophageal manifestations such as absent or incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and aperistalsis in the esophageal body (alterations seen mainly in the distal esophageal body). Our aim in this paper was to study the response of the proximal esophageal body to wet swallows in patients with Chagas' disease and patients with idiopathic achalasia. We retrospectively analyzed the time interval between the onset of the pharyngeal contractions 1 cm proximal to the upper esophageal sphincter, as well as 5 cm distal to the pharyngeal measurement. Amplitude, duration and area under the curve of contractions in the proximal esophagus were also determined in 42 patients with Chagas' disease (15 with associated esophageal dilatation), 21 patients with idiopathic achalasia (14 with concomitant esophageal dilatation) and 31 control subjects. The time between the onset of pharyngeal and proximal esophageal contractions was longer in patients with Chagas' disease and in those with esophageal dilatation (1.39 +/- 0.16 s) than in control subjects (0.86 +/- 0.04 s, P < 0.01). The amplitude of proximal esophageal contractions was lower in patients with idiopathic achalasia and esophageal dilatation (60.9 +/- 16.3 mmHg) than in control subjects (89.7 +/- 6.9 mmHg, P = 0.06). The authors conclude that in patients with advanced esophageal disease, the proximal esophageal contractions in Chagas' disease have a delayed response to wet swallows when compared with controls, and that the amplitude of proximal esophageal contractions was lower than expected in patients with idiopathic achalasia.     

Esophageal manometry in 95 healthy adult volunteers

Although esophageal manometry is widely used in clinical practice, the normal range of esophageal contraction parameters is poorly defined. Therefore, 95 healthy volunteers (mean age: 43 years; range 22–79 years) were studied with a low-compliance infusion system and 4.5-mm-diameter catheter. All subjects were given 10 wet swallows (5 cc H₂O) and 38 subjects also were given 10 dry swallows. Results: Amplitude, but not duration, was greater (P<0.05) after wet compared to dry swallows. Both distal mean contractile amplitude and duration of wet swallows significantly increased with age and peaked in the fifties. Double-peaked waves frequently occurred after both wet (11.3%) and dry (18.1%) swallows, but triple-peaked waves were rare (<1%). Nonperistaltic contractions were more common (P<0.001) after dry compared to wet swallows (18.1% vs 4.1%). This difference resulted from frequent simultaneous contractions after dry swallows (12.6% vs 0.4%). Conclusions: (1) Distal esophageal contractile amplitude and duration after wet swallows increases with age. (2) Triple-peaked waves and wet-swallow-induced simultaneous contractions should suggest an esophageal motility disorder. Double-peaked waves are a common variant of normal. (3) Dry swallows have little use in the current evaluation of esophageal peristalsis.     

The Effect of Topical Pharyngeal Anesthesia on Esophageal Motility

A strong gag reflex may be a limiting factor to perform esophageal motility in some patients. Even though local anesthetics could alleviate such a problem, they are not used for fear of interfering with various manometric parameters. In this study, we evaluated the effect of topical pharyngeal local anesthesia on lower esophageal sphincter pressure, amplitude, duration, and velocity of esophageal contractions. We also studied its effects on the patient's tolerance. Esophageal motility was performed before and after topical anesthesia with 20% benzocaine. The baseline tracing and the tracing obtained after topical anesthesia were number coded and separated. They were evaluated blindly as to the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, amplitude, duration, and velocity of esophageal contractions. An average of 10 wet swallows was used to determine the above values. There was no significant change in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure or the amplitude of esophageal contractions after benzocaine. Similarly, there was no change in the duration or velocity of peristaltic activity. The patient's tolerance to the tube was unchanged or improved in 12 of 14 patients. Six patients had some difficulty in swallowing, but were able to compensate by sucking on the syringe. Our results indicate that topical pharyngeal anesthesia does not affect the usually measured manometric parameters; and while it may improve the patient's tolerance to the manometric catheter, it interferes with the ability to swallow.     

Symptom and function heterogenicity among patients with distal esophageal spasm: studies using combined impedance-manometry

BACKGROUND: Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII-EM) is a clinically available tool that assesses the functional defect of various manometric abnormalities. The aim of our study was to evaluate esophageal bolus transit in patients with manometrically defined distal esophageal spasm (DES). METHODS: Patients referred for esophageal function testing underwent combined MII-EM studies including 10 liquid and 10 viscous swallows. Individual swallows were classified using previously published manometric and impedance criteria. DES is traditionally defined as > or =20% simultaneous contractions in the distal esophagus. Diagnosis of esophageal transit abnormalities was defined by the presence of > or =30% incomplete liquid or > or =40% incomplete viscous swallows. RESULTS: Data from 71 patients (43 female, mean age 57 yr, range 16-85) with a manometric diagnosis of DES were analyzed. During liquid swallows, patients with chest pain had higher (p < 0.05) distal esophageal amplitudes (202.3 +/- 34.5 mmHg) and a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of swallows with complete bolus transit (89%+/- 3%) compared to patients presenting with dysphagia (amplitude 117.8 +/- 8.7 mmHg; percentage of complete transit 69%+/- 5%) and patients with reflux symptoms (amplitude 116.4 +/- 12.7 mmHg; percentage of complete transit 74%+/- 5%). Fifty-one percent of the DES patients had a normal bolus transit for liquid and viscous, 24% abnormal bolus transit for one substance, and 25% abnormal bolus transit for liquid and viscous. CONCLUSION: Pressure and bolus transit information in patients with manometrically defined DES points toward heterogenicity of this group of patients. Outcomes data are warranted to evaluate whether stratifying DES patients based on pressure and bolus transit information may improve the clinical approach.