Solid-state computerized manometry improves diagnostic yield in pharyngeal dysphagia: simultaneous videoradiography and manometry in dysphagia patients with normal barium swallows

Objective:

Dynamic barium radiology with cine- or video recording has been the most frequently used technique for assessing patients with pharyngeal dysphagia. Although the diagnostic yield of the barium swallow has been high, many patients with pharyngeal dysphagia have normal dynamic barium radiology and remain a diagnostic dilemma. Could manometry add important diagnostic information in these patients?

Material and methods:

We examined 19 patients (12 men and 7 women, mean age 47 years, range 19–69 years) with pharyngeal dysphagia but a normal barium swallow with simultaneous videoradiography and pharyngeal manometry and compared their manometry to that found in 24 normal volunteers (11 men and 13 women, mean age 37 years, range 23–59 years).

Results:

Comparing mean values, the patient group showed statistically significant differences from the control group for eight of 10 manometric parameters. Fourteen of 19 patients showed at least one (five patients) and in most cases multiple (nine patients) manometric abnormalities (values exceeding normal mean by ±2SD) which might have contributed to their dysphagia: five patients with high upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressures, five with high LIES residual pressures, three with weak pharyngeal contractions, three with pharyngeal “spasms,” seven with prolonged contraction/relaxation times, five with reduced compliance, and seven with UES/P incoordination.

Conclusions:

Solid-state computerized manometry is a useful adjunct to videoradiography and can provide potentially important additional information in the diagnosis of dysphagia patients.     

Comparison of barium swallow and left gastric angiography in the diagnosis of esophageal varices,with special reference to the management of variceal bleeding

Seventy-five patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices were studied by means of barium swallow and selective left gastric angiography. The relative merits and limitations of these techniques in demonstrating the presence, extent, and severity of the varices are discussed, with reference to the selection of patients for prophylactic transection of the esophagus to prevent bleeding from the varices.     

The diagnostic value of barium swallow in globus syndrome

Serious lesions presenting as globus syndrome appear to be extremely rare, but many clinicians routinely request barium swallow to exclude these. No data yet exist on the diagnostic yield of contrast radiography. We reviewed 2854 barium swallows from one department over 7 years. The false-positive rate (37%) depended on presenting symptoms and differed between radiology departments, suggesting substantial subjectivity. No serious radiological abnormalities occurred in the estimated 2011 patients with globus syndrome. The 95% confidence interval for the likelihood of finding a significant abnormality on routine barium swallow in a patient with globus symptoms is 0-0.00145. The 2854 barium swallows cost an estimated pounds sterling 685,000 and 0.22-0.48 deaths. As the risk of missing a serious lesion in a patient with globus is very unlikely to exceed one in 700, we support the opinion that barium swallow should be reserved for those with risk factors or atypical features.     

24h食管pH监测和食管测压及奥美拉唑治疗试验在食管原性胸痛中的应用

目的 :探讨 2 4 h食管 p H监测和食管测压及奥美拉唑治疗试验在食管原性胸痛中的诊断价值。方法 :对食管原性胸痛 6 8例行内镜、食管测压、2 4 h食管 p H监测及 7d的奥美拉唑 (2 0 mg,2次 / d)治疗试验 ,治疗后症状评分比治疗前降低超过 75 %者则为治疗试验阳性。结果 :食管原性胸痛 6 8例中 5 5例 (81% )符合胃食管反流病 (GERD) ,胡桃夹食管 2例 ,早期贲门失驰缓症 3例 ,弥漫性食管痉挛 3例 ,无效食管运动 (IEM) 5例。GERD5 2例测压分析 ,35例(6 7% )符合 IEM诊断标准。奥美拉唑治疗试验对诊断 GERD的敏感性为 93% ,特异性为 85 %。结论 :GERD是食管原性胸痛的主要原因。 2 4 h食管 p H监测和食管测压是诊断食管原性胸痛的主要检查手段 ,奥美拉唑治疗试验是临床诊断GERD简便而实用的方法。     

反流性食管炎患者食管动力学改变对疗效的影响

目的探讨反流性食管炎（RE）患者不同食管动力障碍对抑酸剂及促胃肠动力剂的治疗反应,为临床RE的治疗提供方法学选择。方法对临床及胃镜诊断为RE的104例患者进行食管压力测定,并同时进行14d的埃索美拉唑及莫沙比利分散片治疗,观察不同食管动力障碍患者的疗效。结果经14d治疗,104例患者临床症状改善情况：显效64例,有效32例,总有效率为92．3％,其中治疗A组（LESP降低或正常,伴食管蠕动减弱者）疗效明显优于治疗B组（LESP增高或正常,或伴食管腔压力增高）（P〈0．01）。结论对抑酸剂及促动力药物疗效欠佳的RE患者,可能存在不同的食管动力障碍,食管测压可能对此有一定的鉴别意义,而在治疗时不应常规给予治RE药物,应体现个体化治疗原则。     

Esophageal motility disorders with thoracic pain of unknown origin

35 patients with angina-like chest pain underwent esophageal manometry after a coronary artery disease had been ruled out by angiography. Furthermore, patients after gastric or esophageal surgery, with pathologic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or with pathologic gastroesophageal reflux as seen on 24-hour-pH-metry were excluded from this study. 29 out of 35 patients (83%) had a normal manometric study, six patients (17%) had a motility disorder; five of these showed an unspecific dismotility pattern and were asymptomatic while the study was done; only one patient presented with esophageal spasm. Since only this latter patient was symptomatic while the study was done, a correlation between symptoms and this motility disorder seems likely. --If pathologic gastroesophageal reflux has been ruled out, esophageal manometry can establish a diagnosis in only 3% of patients with angina-like chest pain without esophageal symptoms (dysphagia, odynophagia, heartburn or regurgitation). We conclude that this complicated examination should not be done in these patients.     

Management of diffuse esophageal spasm with balloon dilatation

Of 1200 patients referred to the esophageal laboratory at Guy's Hospital for investigation of suspected esophageal motility disorders, 61 (5.1%) were diagnosed as diffuse esophageal spasm. Twenty of these patients whose symptoms were severe did not respond to conservative treatment and were treated by balloon dilatation. Results were good in 14 and poor in six patients, which included one esophageal perforation. Diffuse esophageal spasm was diagnosed where more than 30% nonperistaltic activity was demonstrated by manometry. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation were normal in all cases except one. Gastroesophageal reflux was present in four of five poor responders who were examined by 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring, and in only one of 10 good responders. Three of the six patients in whom balloon dilatation was successful proceeded to full-length myotomy, with relief of symptoms in two. The indications for, and results of, balloon dilatation in this condition are discussed, and a new radiological sign is described.     

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.     

术中食管测压在外科治疗贲门失弛缓症中的应用

[目的]利用食管测压技术,监测贲门失弛缓症患者行改良Heller手术术前、术中、术后食管动力学的改变,探讨改良Heller手术的机制及疗效.[方法]对21例贲门失弛缓症患者行经腹改良Heller手术,对患者术前、术中、术后食管测压,术前、术后24 h pH值检测及术后并发症、远期疗效等进行观察.[结果]21例均手术顺利,无手术死亡,食管测压显示术后食管下括约肌压力（LESP）、吞咽后食管下括约肌松弛百分比等指标明显改善,术后随访19例,1例偶有进食不畅,优良率达94.7%.[结论]经腹改良Heller术在治疗贲门失弛缓症中机制合理,并发症少,疗效满意.附加抗反流术式是防止反流的有效措施.术中食管测压对提高手术疗效有一定的指导作用.     

Does Dysphagia Indicate Recurrence of Benign Esophageal Strictures?

Esophageal dilatation in dysphagic patients with benign strictures is usually considered successful if the patients' dysphagia is alleviated. However, the relation between dysphagia and the diameter of a stricture is not well understood. Moreover, the dysphagia may also be caused by an underlying esophageal motor disorder. In order to compare symptoms and objective measurements of esophageal stricture, 28 patients were studied with interview and a radiologic esophagram. The latter included swallowing of a solid bolus. All patients underwent successful balloon dilatation at least one month prior to this study. Recurrence of a stricture with a diameter of less than 13 mm was diagnosed by the barium swallow in 21 patients. Recurrence of dysphagia was seen in 15 patients. Thirteen patients denied any swallowing symptoms. Chest pain was present in 9 patients. Of 15 patients with dysphagia 2 (13%) had no narrowing but severe esophageal dysmotility. Of 13 patients without dysphagia 9 (69%) had a stricture with a diameter of 13 mm or less. Of 21 patients with a stricture of 13 mm or less 14 (67%) were symptomatic while 7 (33%) were asymptomatic. Four of 11 patients with retrosternal pain had a stricture of less than 10 mm. Three patients with retrosternal pain and obstruction had severe esophageal dysmotility. Whether or not the patients have dysphagia may be more related to diet and eating habits than to the true diameter of their esophageal narrowing. We conclude that the clinical history is non-reliable for evaluating the results of esophageal stricture dilatation. In order to get an objective measurement of therapeutic outcome, barium swallow including a solid bolus is recommended.     

功能性消化不良者心理因素与食管动力的关系

目的探讨心理因素与功能性消化不良(FD)食管动力的关系。方法使用高分辨率旁道灌注测压系统对20例健康对照组及121例FD进行食管动力测定,同时以焦虑自评量表及抑郁自评量表评定两组的心理状态,并观察食管动力与心理状态的联系。结果9.8%(24/121)的FD患者有食管动力障碍,主要表现为非特异性食管动力障碍70.8%(17/24);胡桃夹食管2例、弥漫性食管痉挛5例;60.7%(73/121)的FD者有心理障碍,其中抑郁障碍38.0%(46/121)、焦虑障碍48.8%(59/121),对照组1例有轻度的抑郁障碍,P<0.01。有心理障碍FD者食管动力障碍发生率(26.0%,19/73)比非心理障碍FD者(10.4%,5/48)显著增高(P<0.05),且前者LES压力、食管体蠕动波幅、持续时间均显著高于后者(P<0.05)。结论食管动力障碍是FD重要功能紊乱之一,长期抑郁或焦虑可能影响FD食管动力。     

Esophagitis in immunocompromised patients: a diagnostic challenge

Esophagitis in an immunocompromised patient is a frequent problem that may have grave consequences. A specific etiologic diagnosis is difficult and often based upon esophageal symptoms and barium swallow. Diagnostic fallibility is demonstrated by the results of esophageal biopsy, cytology, and culture in four immunocompromised patients with similar esophageal symptoms and barium esophagogram appearance. We conclude that a specific etiologic diagnosis in such patients requires brush cytology and mucosal biopsy.     

Comparison of investigation modalities for evaluation of esophageal peristaltic function

We reviewed the recent literature concerning investigations of esophageal peristaltic function. The gold standard for the assessment of esophageal peristaltic function is manometry with pH monitoring. Even with this investigation modality, however, we are in fact doing no more than estimating esophageal peristaltic function from the manometry and pH results. With esophageal fluoroscopy and scintigraphy, where we observe esophageal motility, there are problems with radiation exposure and handling of radioactive agents that make widespread use difficult. In recent years, the development of multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) manometry has allowed simultaneous measurement of intraesophageal pressure and assessment of esophageal peristalsis. Using MII it is also possible to distinguish whether gas or liquid is passing down the esophagus. When manometry is performed in conjunction with transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with this unique combination it is possible to measure the intraesophageal pressure while actually observing the swallowing motion at the same time. Assessment of esophageal peristaltic function is now moving from simple measurement of intraesophageal pressure to simultaneous impedance manometry and endoscopic observation of esophageal peristalsis itself.     

évaluation des anomalies motrices oesophagiennes au cours de la dysphagie avec endoscopie digestive haute normale

Aims

Dysphagia is considered, rightly, as an alarm symptom requiring upper endoscopy which is sometimes normal. Esophageal manometry is the second examination performed to explore this symptom. The aims of this study are to evaluate the frequency and to identify the type of oesophageal motility disorders in patients with dysphagia with a normal endoscopy.

Patients and methods

It was a retrospective study including patients with dysphagia with normal upper endoscopy and referred to our department for esophageal manometry. The variables assessed were: age; gender; dysphagia duration; LES pressure and relaxation on swallowing; amplitude, duration and propagation of peristaltic contractions.

Results

226 patients were included: 114 women (50.4 %) and 112 men (49.6 %) whose mean age was 44.23 ± 16.50 years. The median duration of dysphagia was 12 months [6.25–48]. Dysphagia was isolated in 38 cases (16.8 %). Esophageal manometry was abnormal in 144 patients (63.7 %). The inadequate relaxation (achalasia) was the most frequent primary motor disorder in these patients (36.3 %).

Conclusion

In patients with dysphagia with normal upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry should be routinely performed to diagnose esophageal motility disorders. These are noted in 2 of 3 patients. Achalasia is a primary motor disorder most often frequent.     

Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal motility disorders

Apart from gastroesophageal reflux disease, achalasia, non-cardiac chest pain and functional dysphagia are the most important manifestations of disturbed esophageal motility. Achalasia is characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and impaired deglutitive relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The morphological correlate is a degeneration of nitrergic neurons in the myenteric plexus. Diagnosis is based on barium esophagram or esophageal manometry with the latter setting the gold standard. Endoscopic exclusion of a tumor at the gastroesophageal junction is mandatory. Appropriate therapeutic interventions are pneumatic dilatation or (laparoscopic myotomy) of lower esophageal sphincter. In patients unfit for these procedures endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter is appropriate. Non-cardiac chest pain may be of esophageal origin. Gastroesophageal reflux, spastic motility disorders and visceral hypersensitivity are arguable underlying mechanisms. The most important diagnostic procedure is 24 h esophageal pH metry correlating symptoms and reflux episodes. Proton pump inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants serving as visceral analgesics are appropriate therapeutic approaches. Functional dysphagia defines the sensation of impaired passage without mechanical obstruction or a neuromuscular disease with known pathology, e.g. scleroderma. Impaired transit is proven by esophageal scintigraphy or radiogram both using solid boluses. Manometry assesses the underlying mechanisms.     

食管入口病变的X线钡剂和CT检查及其临床意义

目的：分析食管入口病变的临床以及X线和CT表现,探讨食管入口病变的影像学检查方法,以提高食管入口病变的影像学诊断水平。方法：回顾分析34例经临床、手术、穿刺和病理证实的食管入口病变患者的临床和影像学资料。34例均行CT检查,其中27例行增强前后CT扫描,7例仅行CT平扫。34例中有28例行X线钡剂检查。结果：34例食管入口病变包括原发于食管入口的肿瘤14例（鳞癌12例、未分化癌2例）、食管入口括约肌肥厚3例、食管入口憩室5例、食管入口损伤12例。34例食管入口病变均有吞咽障碍的临床症状,食管入口癌的中晚期,吞钡检查可见食管入口黏膜破坏。肿瘤早期CT表现不明显,中晚期病人食管入口壁可有不规则增厚或肿块。环咽肌肥厚者,CT表现为食管壁局部增厚,黏膜光滑。食管入口憩室者,CT表现为食管入口侧壁不强化的软组织肿块,吞钡可见食管一侧囊袋状龛影,有钡剂进入。食管入口破裂者吞钡时,可见钡剂溢入颈部软组织,2例食管入口破裂、穿孔并发纵膈脓肿者CT可见上纵膈增宽,增强扫描后见低密度脓腔。结论：X线钡剂检查对食管入口病变的诊断,目前仍有不可替代的作用,它简便易行、费用低廉、易被患者接受。CT对食管入口肿瘤的定性、分期,对食管入口损伤及其并发症的观察有重要意义,若将两者结合起来,能提高食管入口病变的影像学诊断水平。     

金属内支架治疗晚期食管癌的价值(附21例分析)

目的探讨食管金属内支架治疗晚期食管癌临床价值。方法病理证实的晚期食管癌21病例,行放置食管金属内支架治疗。术前行食管钡餐造影,了解病变段的长度及所用金属内支架的长度。在透视下进行内支架置放术。结果21例患者均成功置入金属内支架,术后支架膨胀满意,患者吞咽梗阻症状得到缓解,营养状况有所改善,延长了患者生存期。结论食道内支架置入术创伤小,操作简单,对晚期食管癌是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

Dysphagia. Pathophysiology, causes, and evaluation

The two types of dysphagia, oropharyngeal and esophageal, involve different phases of swallowing, are accompanied by different symptom complexes, and have different etiologies. They can usually be distinguished by history, which often will also suggest the specific cause. The initial evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia entails a general history and physical examination, careful examination of the pharynx and hypopharynx, and barium esophagography (preferably with videotape recording). The initial evaluation for esophageal dysphagia entails barium esophagography and fiberoptic endoscopy. Esophageal manometry is indicated when a motor disorder is suspected.     

食管癌的钡餐和CT诊断价值

目的探讨钡餐和CT检查在食管癌诊断中的价值。方法回顾性分析食管癌的影像学资料。本组钡餐造影检查141例,43例同时进行了CT检查。结果钡餐造影检出食管癌141例,病灶共144处。早期的病变可显示食管壁的浅表隆起征象,病灶表面显示有溃疡,食管粘膜中断,管壁僵硬,软组织肿块影,杯口状充盈缺损等。CT检查食管癌43例,显示管壁增厚,部分病变段周围脂肪层模糊不清甚至消失,CT显示肿瘤与胸主动脉夹角增大,纵隔淋巴结肿大,腹腔淋巴结转移等情况。结论钡餐造影是发现食管癌的重要手段。CT对食管癌的诊断、术前分期、预后及治疗方案的确定有其重要的价值。     

Apport des nouvelles méthodes d’exploration pour la classification des troubles moteurs œsophagiens

The development of high resolution manometry has modified the diagnostic approach of esophageal motility disorders. The use of a high number of electronic sensors together with the pressure variations displayed as esophageal pressure topography have greatly facilitated data interpretation. The diagnostic yield for dysphagia has increased by 10-20% thanks to these improvements. The Chicago classification is based on both relaxation of the esophago-gastric junction and the pattern of esophageal contractility. This diagnostic algorithm allows classifying esophageal motor disorders as achalasia, hypercontractile, or hypocontractile disorders. Whether this classification will positively impact the outcome of patients with esophageal motor disorders remains to be determined.