A multimodal laser Doppler and endosonographic distension device for studying mechanosensation and mucosal blood flow in the oesophagus

We describe the development of a multimodal device combining bag distension, manometry, high frequency intraluminal ultrasound, laser Doppler flowmetry and symptom registration. Bench tests showed that the different modalities did not influence each other. During bag distension we obtained high quality images of the oesophageal wall for computing biomechanical parameters, and laser Doppler signals showing variation in mucosal perfusion. We conclude that the principle of measurement is sound and that the device can provide a basis for further studies.     

Strain measurement during antral contractions by ultrasound strain rate imaging: influence of erythromycin

Abstract  Strain rate imaging (SRI) is a non-invasive ultrasound (US) modality that enables the study of mechanical deformation (strain) with high spatial and temporal resolution. A total of 244 contractions in seven healthy volunteers were studied by SRI on two separate days to characterize radial strain of antral contractions in the fasting and fed states and to assess the influence of intravenous erythromycin. Gastric accommodation and emptying were assessed by 2D ultrasonography. The perception of hunger was registered by the participants. The strain increased from early to late phase II and phase III activity by (median) 18%, 58% and 82%, respectively, P  <   0.05. Erythromycin infusion in phase I induced contractions with median strain of 35%, but did not increase postprandial strain. Both fasting and postprandially, lumen-occlusive contractions with erythromycin were more frequent than in naturally occurring contractions, 69% vs 48%, P =  0.036 and 40% vs 5%, P  <   0.001 respectively. All subjects had rumbling in their abdomens when intraluminal air was detected sonographically (85% of all phase III contractions) and that rumbling was perceived by the participant as maximal awareness of hunger. SRI enabled detailed strain measurement of individual antral contractions. Erythromycin initiated fasting antral contractions and increased the number of lumen-occlusive contractions.