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.     

Infusion manometry and detection of sphincteric function of crural diaphragm

The principles of infusion manometry in the measurement of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were laid down in the mid-1960s by L.D. Harris and his coworkers. Dodds and his colleagues were largely responsible for the improvements and advent of the low-compliance manometry. Using side-hole manometry, it is possible to detect accurate LES pressure that correlates with the strength of the antireflux barrier. The LES pressure as measured by the side-hole manometry, shows respiration-induced pressure oscillations. These pressure oscillations were initially thought to be due to the influence of abdominal and thoracic pressures on the LES. However, it was later pointed out that these pressure oscillations were due to the relative motion of the point pressure sensor (side hole of the manometric catheter) and the LES during respiration. Recent studies suggest that active contraction of the crural diaphragm during inspiration is responsible for the pressure oscillations observed in the cat LES pressure tracings. The use of the sleeve device in the measurement of LES pressure during contraction of the diaphragm has been described recently. Using the principles of manometry and sleeve device, it is now possible to identify two lower esophageal sphincters: the smooth muscle LES, traditionally known as the LES, and crural diaphragm, which we have referred to as the external lower esophageal sphincter. The purpose of the following paper is to summarize the general principles of the infusion manometry in the measurement of intraluminal pressure, specifically the LES pressure. The recently developed technique of detection of the sphincteric function of the crural diaphragm by the sleeve device will be discussed. In the last paragraph the limitations of manometry in detection of the muscular contractile activity are described.     

Improved lower esophageal sphincter manometry: application of the end-hole recording technique in vivo

The recommendation to use a thin end-hole catheter for lower esophageal (LES) manometry has a strong theoretic background supported by previous in vitro studies. The pressure in the closed sphincter is measured, and the problem of pressure asymmetry eliminated. In this study the advantage and applicability of an end-hole catheter compared with the composite side-hole catheter for LES manometry was tested in vivo in dogs and human subjects. Pull-through manometry was performed with a continuously infused composite four-lumen catheter with one central channel and three side-hole channels enabling simultaneous end-hole and side-hole recording of LES pressure. A pull-through produced one end-hole and three side-hole pressure registrations. The end-hole recorded resting sphincter pressure was 19.7 +/- 4.5 cm H2O in 6 dogs and 9.9 +/- 6.8 cm H2O in 89 human subjects (volunteers and patients). The side holes recorded higher pressures, longer high-pressure zones, and obvious differences--asymmetry--between the three channels. The correlation between the side-hole and end-hole recordings was equally poor with regard to both pressure and length, with r values from 0.48 to 0.61. The relative difference between the end hole and side holes was most pronounced in low-pressure sphincters. In the dogs the end-hole and one side-hole channel always recorded LES pressure close to the expected 0 pressure during reflux, whereas the other two side-hole channels recorded high pressures. The present study proved the applicability of the end-hole technique for LES manometry in vivo in man. The end hole seemed to record true sphincter pressure.     

A method for continuous monitoring of upper esophageal sphincter pressure

We tested a manometric assembly employing a sleeve sensor that is able to monitor anterior or posterior pressure in the human upper esophageal sphincter (UES) for prolonged intervals. When compared to rapid pull-through measurement of UES pressure obtained with conventional manometric assemblies, the sleeve sensor measured significantly lower UES pressures with less variability between subjects, thereby suggesting that the rapid pull-through maneuver stimulates the UES to contract. Concurrent recordings of UES pressure with a sleeve sensor and a side-hole sensor during a slow station pull-through yielded almost equal pressure values at the peak of the high-pressure zone (station zero), but the side-hole site recorded significantly lower pressures than the sleeve at stations 0.5 cm or more from the peak of the high-pressure zone. During 10 min of recording at station zero, the sleeve sensor recorded greater pressures than the side-hole sensor. This finding demonstrated the suceptibility of the side-hole sensor to axial movement relative to peak UES pressure. When stationary, both the sleeve sensor and the side-hole sensor recorded significantly lower UES pressure after 1-2 min of recording, again suggesting that movement of the recording assembly stimulates the UES to contract. Sleeve recordings of swallow-induced UES relaxations showed that UES relaxations induced by water swallows were slightly longer than those induced by dry swallows. Augmentations of UES pressure induced by balloon distension of the esophageal body were also recorded. We conclude that the sleeve sensor is a suitable method for investigating the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the UES in human subjects.     

Manometric characteristics of the upper esophageal sphincter recorded with a microsleeve

OBJECTIVES: We compared manometric recordings of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) recorded with a miniature sleeve to those obtained using standard manometry. METHODS: The UES pressure of eight volunteer subjects was measured by station pull-through (SPT), by rapid pull-through (RPT), and with a microsleeve sensor for 30 min, followed by 15 min of esophageal acid infusion. Deglutitive UES relaxation recorded with a microsleeve and solid state sensor were compared. RESULTS: The UES pressure recorded with the microsleeve (25+/-9 mm Hg) was significantly less than that by SPT (114+/-18 mm Hg) or RPT (152+/-19 mm Hg), and was unaffected by acid infusion. Periods of low UES pressure were observed during long interswallow intervals (11+/-4, range 6-18 mm Hg). Deglutitive relaxation duration and intrabolus pressure measured with the microsleeve were less than those recorded by the solid state transducer. CONCLUSIONS: "Normal" UES pressure is heavily dependent on measurement technique; pressures obtained with a miniature sleeve are a fraction of those obtained by SPT or RPT. During periods of relative comfort with minimal swallowing, UES tone is approximately 10 mm Hg, similar to that during sleep. Volume modulation of deglutitive UES relaxation is demonstrable with a microsleeve, albeit with less precision than with a solid-state transducer.     

Esophageal manometry: a comparison of findings in younger and older patients

Objective: We sought to determine the utility of esophageal manometry in an older patient population.
Methods: Consecutively performed manometry studies (470) were reviewed and two groups were chosen for the study, those ≥ 75 yr of age (66 patients) and those ≤ 50 years (122 patients). Symptoms, manometric findings (lower esophageal sphincter [LES], esophageal body, upper esophageal sphincter [UES]) and diagnoses were compared between the groups.
Results: Dysphagia was more common (60.6% vs 25.4%), and chest pain was less common (17.9 vs 26.2%) in older patients. In the entire group, there were no differences in LES parameters. Older patients with achalasia had lower LES residual pressures after deglutition (2.7 vs 12.0 mm Hg), but had similar resting pressures (31.4 vs 35.2 mm Hg) compared with younger achalasia patients. Duration and amplitude of peristalsis were similar in both groups, whereas peristaltic sequences were more likely to be simultaneous in the older group (15% vs 4%). The UES had a lower resting pressure in the older patients (49.6 vs 77.6 mm Hg) and a higher residual pressure (2.0 vs −2.7 mm Hg). The older patients were less likely to have normal motility (30.3% vs 44.3%) and were more likely to have achalasia (15.2% vs 4.1%) or diffuse esophageal spasm (16.6% vs 5.0%). When only patients with dysphagia were analyzed, achalasia was still more likely in the older group (20.0% vs 12.9%).
Conclusions: When older patients present with dysphagia, esophageal manometry frequently yields a diagnosis to help explain their symptoms.     

Factors influencing lower esophageal sphincter relaxation after deglutition

AIM:To study the relationship between upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation,peristaltic pressure and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation following deglutition in non-dysphagic subjects.METHODS:Ten non-dysphagic adult subjects had a high-resolution manometry probe passed transnasally and positioned to cover the UES,the esophageal body and the LES.Ten water swallows in each subject were analyzed for time lag between UES relaxation and LES relaxation,LES pressure at time of UES relaxation,duratio...     

Continuous monitoring of the upper esophageal sphincter with the Dent device, during acid perfusion or distension with balloon of the esophageal body]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate pressure changes of the UES under conditions that simulate the effects of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), that are, balloon esophageal distension and acid perfusion 0.1 N. Studies were performed in eight healthy subjects and fourteen patients with reflux esophagitis (RE), divided in two groups according to symptoms, 6 patients with heartburn and 8 patients with heartburn and regurgitation. We have employed the Dent sleeve to monitor UES pressure. The catheter was located with the help of a side-hole manometric catheter placed in the opposite side of the Dent sleeve; thereafter, it was anchorated. Perfusion of acid at 5 and 10 cm below the UES induces a pressure increase statistically significant, (paired data). This pressure increase is shown when mean values of the 5 minutes are considered as well for every minute. On the after hand, esophageal balloon distension did not produce pressure increases in any of the groups.     

Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation characteristics using a sleeve sensor in clinical manometry

Objective: We undertook this study to determine the characteristics of swallow-induced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in the setting of clinical manometry using a standardized methodology.
Methods: We reviewed 170 manometric recordings performed using a perfused manometric assembly with a sleeve sensor and a computer polygraph. Patients were categorized as patient controls, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), or achalasia. Tracing were semiautomatically analyzed for basal LES pressure, LES pressure during deglutitive relaxation (relaxation LES pressure), duration of LES relaxation, timing of LES relaxation, and the success rate of primary peristalsis.
Results: Forty-six patient controls, 93 with GERD, five with DES, and 26 with achalasia were identified. GERD and achalasia patients had lower or higher basal LES pressures than patient controls, respectively. Compared with patient controls, achalasia patients had higher relaxation LES pressures, lower percent LES relaxation, and shorter durations of LES relaxation. The best single measure for distinguishing achalasia was the relaxation LES pressure; using the 95th percentile value of patient controls (12 mm Hg) as the upper limit of normal, its sensitivity and positive predictive value for the diagnosis of achalasia were 92% and 88%, respectively. Coupled with the finding of aperistalsis, a relaxation LES pressure ≥10 mm Hg achieved 100% sensitivity and positive predictive value among these patients.
Conclusion: Sleeve sensor recording is a practical method for clinical manometry that reliably records LES relaxation characteristics and is amenable to both a standardized manometry protocol and a semiautomated analysis routine. Relaxation LES pressure has a high diagnostic value for achalasia.     

健康人食管测压及影响因素多中心研究

目的 建立不同年龄组食管动力参数正常值及测定方法.方法 应用气液压毛细灌注系统测定3个不同年龄组(Ⅰ组18～39岁,Ⅱ组40～59岁,Ⅲ组≥60岁)健康志愿者食管动力参数.同时观察本测定方法对下食管括约肌(LES)检测的重复性和稳定性.结果 实际入组162名,Ⅰ组62名,Ⅱ组73名,Ⅲ组27名.三组间下食管括约肌长度(LESL)、呼气末下食管括约肌压力(LESP)、LESP平均值、残余压、下食管括约肌松弛率(LESRR)差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Ⅰ组吸气末LESP为(28.98±1.11) mmHg,明显低于Ⅲ组[(34.35±1.96)mmHg,P＜0.05].Ⅰ组跨膈压为(9.55±0.62) mmHg,明显低于Ⅱ组[(13.05±0.76) mmHg,P＜0.05].三组食管体部远端和近端收缩波幅和时限差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Ⅲ组上食管括约肌压力( UESP)明显低于Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组(P＜0.05).重复性比较,Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组第2次呼气末LESP明显高于第1次(P＜0.05).远端食管蠕动收缩波幅女性明显高于男性(P＜0.05),近端食管蠕动收缩波幅女性与男性无明显差别(P＞0.05).结论 得到不同年龄组食管动力参数的正常值.LES的动力参数不随年龄的增长而变化.而食管体部蠕动收缩能力在40～59岁年龄组最强.老年人UESP明显下降.检测前让受试者有足够的适应时间,有利于得到准确、可靠的LES的动力参数.     

Four-Channel Sleeve Catheter for Prolonged Measurement of Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure

A sleeve catheter capable of monitoring thelower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in fourquadrants at right angels has been developed. Thepresent study used this four-quadrant sleeve catheter toassess radial asymmetry in LES in the supine, prone,and upright positions. The results in 37 normal subjectswere compared with those of a conventional side-holecatheter and a Dent sleeve catheter. In vitro studies showed that the response rate of eachradially oriented sleeve is comparable to the Dentsleeve. Mean pressures were not significantly differentbetween the three different types of catheter. The four-quadrant sleeve catheter consistentlydetected a higher LES pressure in the left posteriorposition, regardless of body position. The four quadrantsleeve catheter can be used to record LES pressure from four different quadrants of the LES forprolonged periods.     

Evaluation of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) Using Simultaneous High-Resolution Endoluminal Sonography (HRES) and Manometry

The aim of this study was to characterize the motion, morphology, and pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The UES and its surrounding structures were evaluated in seven normal subjects and four human cadavers, using simultaneous high-resolution endoluminal sonography and manometry. The UES musculature on ultrasound is a C-shaped structure with an angle of 107 +/- 19 degrees. The mean peak resting UES pressure was 74 mm Hg, with a total cross-sectional area (CSA) of 0.87 +/- 0.33 cm2. During swallowing, the UES moved in an orad direction. Localizing the UES sonographically, the peak UES pressure in the cadavers was 19.7 +/- 10.0 mm Hg. The UES has a greater muscular CSA and resting pressure than the upper esophageal body. In the cadaver studies, the UES was imaged in conjunction with a significant increase in pressure, indicating that the pressure is due to passive mechanical conformational changes.     

Aging-related alterations in human upper esophageal sphincter function

Recent improvements in manometric catheters have made measurement of pharyngeal (P) and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) swallowing mechanics more reliable. Few studies have attempted to evaluate the effect of normal aging on P and UES mechanics. Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter dynamics were studied in 10 healthy elderly adults (age greater than 60; range 62-79 yr) and 10 younger adults (age less than 60; range 24-59 yr). A solid-state intraluminal transducer system was used with a proximal unidirectional Konigsberg microtransducer and a circumferential (sphincter) transducer located 5 cm distally. Mean resting UES pressure was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in the elderly than in the younger subjects (52 +/- 5 vs 72 +/- 6 (SE)) mm Hg. A significant inverse relation (R = -0.54; p less than 0.02) was found between age and resting UES pressure. Time from peak of pharyngeal contraction to UES nadir was significantly (p less than 0.05) shortened in the healthy elderly vs younger controls (10 +/- 30 vs 90 +/- 20 ms) during dry swallows. Our studies indicate that aging is associated with lower resting UES pressure and delayed UES relaxation, relative to the pharyngeal peak.     

Deterioration of esophageal motility with age: a manometric study of 79 healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: Data are limited on the effect of age on esophageal function. We evaluated whether aging influences the motor activity of the esophagus. METHODS: Standard esophageal manometry was performed in 79 healthy, nonpaid volunteers of both sexes, 18-73 yr of age. Lower (LES) and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) characteristics and the properties of esophageal peristaltic waves were assessed by age groups: < or = 25 yr, 26-35 yr, 36-45 yr, 46-55 yr, 56-65 yr, and > 65 yr. RESULTS: Age correlated inversely with LES pressure and length, UES pressure and length, and peristaltic wave amplitude and velocity, and correlated directly with the proportion of simultaneous contractions. Age was inversely correlated with the upper limits of normality (95th percentiles) of LES pressure (r = -0.943, p = 0.005), UES pressure (r = -0.943, p = 0.005), middle and lower peristaltic wave amplitude (r = -0.947, p = 0.004, and r = -0.844, p = 0.035, respectively), upper/middle peristaltic progression speed (r = -0.943, p = 0.005), and the proportion of simultaneous contractions (r = 0.926, p = 0.008), but not with the lower normal limits (5th percentiles) of these variables. Gender did not affect esophageal motility variables. The 95th percentiles of LES pressure differed by 20 mm Hg, those of lower peristaltic amplitude by 82 mm Hg, and those of percent simultaneous contractions by a factor of 2, between the younger and the older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that normal esophageal motility deteriorates with advancing age. Thus, age-related normality limits of esophageal pressures should be considered before establishing the manometric diagnosis of hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders.     

Upper esophageal sphincter function in patients with Zenker's diverticulum

Upper esophageal sphincter function (UES) was studied in 8 patients with Zenker's diverticulum. Radiologic and endoscopic studies revealed pharyngoesophageal diverticula of varying size. No tumor or stenosis was found. Esophageal manometry showed no significant difference between patients and 8 matched controls with respect to UES resting pressure, delay of maximal UES relaxation, and maximal pharyngeal contraction. All patients exhibited a drop of the UES pressure to esophageal resting pressure during swallowing. These results indicate that disturbances of UES function in established Zenker's diverticulum are a myth.     

Lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normal individuals and patients with gastroesophageal reflux. A comparison between end-hole and side-hole recording techniques

The advantage of a single-lumen end-hole catheter compared with the usual composite side-hole catheter for lower esophageal sphincter (LES) manometry has been studied in vitro and in vivo. In the present study LES pull-through manometry was performed with a special catheter, enabling simultaneous end-hole and side-hole recording of LES pressure. Eighteen normal individuals with normal 24-h pH-monitoring (control group) and 42 reflux patients with pathologic 24-h pH-monitoring (reflux group) were studied. End-hole recorded resting sphincter pressure (RSP) in the control group was 15.4 +/- 5.0 cm H2O and in the reflux group 6.4 +/- 6.4 (p less than 0.0005). Side-hole recorded RSP (mean S1-S3) was 20.8 +/- 11.6 and 11.9 +/- 6.8, respectively (p less than 0.005). End-hole recorded total sphincter length (SL) in the control group was 34 +/- 9 mm and in the reflux group 27 +/- 12 (p less than 0.025) and abdominal sphincter length (ASL) 23 +/- 7 and 16 +/- 9, respectively (p less than 0.005). Side-hole recorded SL was 30 +/- 7 and 30 +/- 12, respectively (NS) and ASL 22 +/- 6 and 18 +/- 9 respectively (NS). After intake of 500 ml of water both LES pressure and length decreased in both groups but the separation between the groups was neither improved nor impaired. The results support the view that LES insufficiency is an important cause of gastroesophageal reflux. That LES had a lower pressure and was shorter in patients with reflux was best demonstrated by end-hole recorded pressure.     

Effect of head position on the dynamics of the upper esophageal sphincter and pharynx

Due to limitations in available technology it has been difficult to obtain data on upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and pharyngeal (P) function under varying physiologic conditions. We used a manometry system with solid-state intraluminal transducers, including a circumferential sphincter transducer, and computer analysis to measure pressure changes in UES and P during wet (5 ml H₂O) swallows as the head was moved through a 75 degree arc in nine normal volunteers. UES residual pressure increased markedly and duration of UES relaxation decreased with increasing head extension. Similar decreases were also seen with time between P peak and both UES nadir and UES end. There were no changes in either pharyngeal peak pressures or the duration of the pharyngeal contraction. Head extension produces major changes in UES relaxation and UES/P coordination. These effects may be clinically important when feeding neurologically impaired patients.     

Effect of cimetropium bromide on esophageal motility and transit in patients affected by primary achalasia

The effect of cimetropium bromide, a new anticholinergic agent, in patients with primary achalasia was studied. Twenty such patients (12 females and 8 males, mean age 38 years, range 15–56) were studied. Diagnosis was performed by radiology, endoscopy, and manometry. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and body wave amplitude were measured by means of a five-channel catheter constantly perfused by a low-compliance pneumohydraulic pump. Patient received cimetropium bromide 10 mg intravenously over 3 min or placebo in a double-blind manner. In five patients esophageal transit evaluated by scintiscanning was studied on separate occasions after cimetropium bromide or placebo. Baseline mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 46±5 mm Hg and mean amplitude of body waves was 30±8 mm Hg. Cimetropium bromide induced a significant decrease in sphincter pressure and body wave amplitude that measured 13±3 mm Hg and 8±4 mm Hg, respectively, 15 min after the end of infusion. The decrease was maintained for 45±5 min. A marked reduction in repetitive body waves was also noted. Esophageal transit was also accelerated with cimetropium bromide. Maximal stomach radioactivity was observed after 8±1.8 sec while with placebo this was reached after 65±1.5 sec (P<0.01). It is concluded that cimetropium bromide reduces LES pressure and shortens transit in primary esophageal achalasia. It may be useful in the treatment of this esophageal motility disorder.     

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.