The Lower Esophageal Ring and Esophageal Reflux

Although the lower esophageal ring is an important cause of dysphagia in adults, its pathogenesis is unknown. To better define the relationship between the lower esophageal ring and esophageal reflux, we analyzed, retrospectively, the records of 18 hospitalized patients with radiologically demonstrated rings (16 confirmed by endoscopy and/or surgery). In 16 of these patients, evidence of esophageal reflux including at least one of the following was present: overt esophagitis noted at endoscopy or surgery (14 cases), histologic evidence of esophagitis (3 cases), and/or symptoms of pyrosis or free reflux (13 cases). These findings suggest that 1. reflux is frequently associated with lower esophageal rings and may play a role in their pathogenesis; 2. the radiologic finding of a ring should serve as a clue to the possibility of esophageal reflux and 3. long-term control of dysphagia in these patients may depend upon control of the associated reflux as well as mechanical disruption of the ring.     

Esophageal cast

We report a case of esophageal cast, a rare entity, and a review of the literature. We also theorize about the possible mechanism of injury due to vomiting, which was common in most previously reported patients. We assume a close association may occur between the Mallory-Weiss syndrome and production of an esophageal cast. Other causes of esophageal casts are presented.     

Esophageal hematoma

Hematoma of the esophagus is an uncommon condition. Patients often present with acute odynophagia or retrosternal pain, which may be confused with other diagnoses. We report herein two patients with esophageal hematoma caused by foreign body ingestion. Conservative treatment resulted in complete resolution. The literature is reviewed for the etiology, clinical features and management of this condition.     

Esophageal manometry

Esophageal manometric study has gained tremendous popularity over the past decade. However, the contribution of this diagnostic technology has not been critically evaluated. The purpose of this report is, therefore, to determine how frequently esophageal manometry alters the clinical diagnosis and treatment and to assess the cost of new information. The patients reviewed in this report consisted of 363 consecutive referrals. Each completed a questionnaire, had an esophagogram, and underwent an esophageal manometric study for the evaluation of dysphagia, heartburn, and/or chest pain of unexplained etiology. To determine the clinical contribution of manometry, diagnoses before and after the study were compared. On the basis of symptoms and radiologic data, specific clinical entities were diagnosed in 36 patients. Manometric study did not confirm the diagnosis of achalasia in four of the 27 patients referred with this diagnosis and resulted in 19 additional specific diagnoses. Manometry changed the course of treatment in 14 cases, eight additional patients with achalasia received treatment, and four false-positive patients were spared inappropriate treatment. Moreover, two patients with simultaneous esophageal motor disorder and chest pain were spared further investigation. It is concluded that esophageal manometry altered the clinical diagnosis in 6% and changed the course of treatment in 4% of the population studied. Esophageal manometry is beneficial in patients with chest pain, dysphagia, and those in whom diagnosis of achalasia is suspected, but is of little benefit in patients with chronic heartburn. Assuming the cost per study to be $250, the cost of the study was $3945 per alteration of diagnosis and $6482 per alteration of treatment.     

Esophageal varices

The value of propantheline bromide and atropine sulfate in the diagnosis of esophageal varices when conventional esophagography did not show definitive findings was assessed. Twenty patients and 20 control subjects were examined prior to and shortly after these anticholinergic drugs were administered. Visualization of varices was improved remarkably in all 15 patients in whom varices were confirmed on subsequent esophagoscopy. The pharmacoradiologic basis for this method and its significance in the accurate diagnosis of esophageal varices are discussed.