Evaluation of esophageal function in patients with esophageal motor abnormalities using multichannel intraluminal impedance esophageal manometry

AIM: To evaluate the functional aspect of esophageal motility in healthy subjects and in patients who were referred for esophageal function testing using multichannel intraluminal impedance-esophageal manometry (MII-EM), and to assess the clinical utility of MII-EM. METHODS: From September 2003 to January 2004, we performed the MII-EM on healthy volunteers and all the patients who were referred for esophageal function testing. Each patient received 10 liquid and 10 viscous swallows. We analyzed the results, the impedance and the manometric findings. Some of the subjects had additional ambulatory 24-h pH study performed to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). RESULTS: Among 89 studied subjects, the MII-EM findings showed normal esophageal motility in 50 (56.17%), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in 17 (19.10%), nutcracker esophagus in 7 (7.86%), achalasia in 4 (4.49%), and scleroderma esophagus in 11 (12.35%) cases. The completeness and the speed of bolus transit were in the order of nutcracker esophagus, normal manometry and IEM. Some of the swallows showing normal manometry and IEM had incomplete transit. In the achalasia and scleroderma esophagus, almost all the swallows had incomplete transit. The body amplitudes were higher for the swallows with complete transit than for the swallows with incomplete transit. There was not a significant difference in the manometric and impedance findings between the subjects with and without GERD. CONCLUSION: MII-EM is a useful tool in assessing theesophageal function in the patients having esophageal motility abnormality. The primary factors influencing the bolus transit are the amplitude of the esophageal body and normal peristalsis.

High-resolution colonic manometry and its clinical application in patients with colonic dysmotility: A review

The detailed process and mechanism of colonic motility are still unclear, and colonic motility disorders are associated with numerous clinical diseases. Colonic manometry is considered to the most direct means of evaluating colonic peristalsis. Colonic manometry has been studied for more than 30 years;however, the long duration of the examination, high risk of catheterization, huge amount of real-time data, strict catheter sterilization, and high cost of disposable equipment restrict its wide application in clinical practice. Recently, highresolution colonic manometry (HRCM) has rapidly developed into a major technique for obtaining more effective information involved in the physiology and/or pathophysiology of colonic contractile activity in colonic dysmotility patients. This review focuses on colonic motility, manometry, operation, and motor patterns, and the clinical application of HRCM. Furthermore, the limitations, future directions, and potential usefulness of HRCM in the evaluation of clinical treatment effects are also discussed.

Accurate positioning of the 24-hour pH monitoring catheter:Agreement between manometry and pH step-up method in two patient positions

AIM： TO investigate the agreement between esophageal manometry and pH step-up method in two different patient positions. METHODS： Eighteen subjects were included in the study. First, the distance from the nose to the proximal border of the lower esophageal sphincter （LES） was measured manometrically. Then a different investigator, who was blinded to the results of the first study, measured the same distance using the pH step-up method, with the patient in both upright and supine positions. An assessment of agreement between the two techniques was performed. RESULTS： In the supine position, the measurement of only one subject was outside the range accepted for correct positioning （~〈 3 cm distal or proximal to the LES）. In the upright position, errors in measurement were recognized in five subjects. Bland-Airman plots revealed good agreement between measurements obtained manometrically and by the pH-step up method with the patient in the supine position. CONCLUSION： In the case of nonavailability of manometric detection device, the pH step-up method can facilitate the positioning of the 24 h pH monitoring catheter with the patient in the supine position. Thisshould increase the use of pH-metry in clinical practice for subjects with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease if our results are supported by further studies.

Choledochoscope manometry about different drugs on the Sphincter of Oddi

AIM： To assess the effects of H2-receptor blocking pharmacon, protease inhibitor, and gastro kinetic agents on the human Sphincter of Oddi （SO） motility by choledochoscope manometry. METHODS： One hundred and seventy-five patients with T tube installed after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were assessed by choledochoscope manometry. They were randomly assigned into groups of H2-receptor blocking pharmacon, protease inhibitor, and gastro kinetic agents. The Sphincter of Oddi basal pressure （SOBP）, amplitude （SOCA）, frequency of contractions （SOF）, duodenal pressure （DP）, and common bile duct pressure （CBDP） were scored and analyzed. RESULTS： SOBP and SOCA were significantly decreased after Cimetidine administration, and no statistical difference was seen in the Famotidine group. In the Gabexate mesilate group, SOBP had decreased significantly. In the Ulinastatin group, SOCA decreased when Ulinastatin was given at the rate of 2500 U/min; when Ulinastatin administration was raised to 5000 U/ rain, SOBP, SOF and SOCA all experienced a fall. SOBP and SOCA for Domperidone and SOCA for Mosapride groups all decreased distinctly after administration. CONCLUSION： The regular dosage of Cimetidine showed an inhibitory effect on the motility of SO, while Famotidine had no obvious effects otherwise. Gabnexata mesilate, Ulinastatin and gastro kinetic agents also showed inhibitory effects on the SO motility.

Effect of morphine and M-cholinoceptor blocking drugs on human sphincter of Oddi during choledochofiberscopy manometry

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of morphine on the human sphincter of Oddi pressure and the antagonism of anticholinergic agents against morphine. METHODS: The action of these drugs on the sphincter of Oddi (SO) was evaluated by means of choledochofiberscopy manometry in 40 operated patients with T-tube. The patients were divided randomly into 4 groups: anisodamine, atropine, buscopan, and control. The following data were recorded: duodenal pressure (DP), basal pressure of the sphincter of Oddi (BPSO), contractive amplitude of the sphincter of Oddi (CASO), contractive frequency of the sphincter of Oddi (CFSO), contractive duration of the sphincter of Oddi (CDSO), and pressure of the common bile duct (PCBD). Both morphine and anticholinergic agents were given intramuscularly. RESULTS: After injection of 10 mg morphine, BPSO, CASO, CFSO, and PCBD increased significantly. After injection of 15 mg anisodamine or 0.75 mg atropine, CASO, BPSO declined obviously, and after injection of 20 mg buscopan, CASO, BPSO, CFSO declined obviously, but in anisodamine, atropine and buscopan groups, they differed insignificantly. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrate that SO manometry via choledochofiberscopy is a new method for SO dynamic study. Morphine can increase DP, BPSO, CASO, PCBD, but anisodamine atropine and buscopan can antagonize the effect of morphine.

New technologies in the gastrointestinal clinic and research: Impedance and high-resolution manometry

The last five years have been an exciting time in the study of esophageal motor disorders due to the recent advances in esophageal function testing. New technologies have emerged, such as intraluminal impedance, while conventional techniques, such as manometry, have enjoyed many improvements due to advances in transducer technology, computerization and graphic data presentation. While these techniques provide more detailed information regarding esophageal function, our understanding of whether they can improve our ability to diagnose and treat patients more effectively is evolving. These techniques are also excellent research tools and they have added substantially to our understanding of esophageal motor function in dysphagia. This review describes the potential benefits that these new technologies may have over conventional techniques for the evaluation of dysphagia.

Iatrogenic colorectal perforation induced by anorectal manometry:Report of two cases after restorative proctectomy for distal rectal cancer

There are no reports regarding perforation of the colorectum induced by anorectal manometry. We report two cases of colorectal perforation that occurred during manometry in the patients undergoing restorative proctectomy for distal rectal cancer. In the first patient, computed tomography showed an extraperitoneal perforation in the pelvic cavity and a rupture of the rectal wall. A localized perforation into the retroperitoneum was managed conservatively. In the second patient, a 3 cm linear colon rupture was detected above the anastomotic site. A primary closure of the perforated colon and proximal ileostomy were conducted, but the patient died 2 wk later. We hypothesize that the perforation induced by anorectal manometry may be associated with the relative weakening of the proximal bowel wall due to anastomosis, decreased compliance, and abnormal rectal sensation. We suggest that measurement of the maximum tolerable volume should not be routinely performed alter restorative proctectomy for distal rectal cancer.

Electrogastrography: Poor correlation with antro-duodenal manometry and doubtful clinical usefulness in adults

AIM: To investigate if there is a correlation between electrical activity measured by electrogastrography (EGG) and contractile activity of the stomach as measured by antroduodenal manometry (ADM). We also studied whether the underlying motility disorder could be predicted from EGG parameters. METHODS: We compared 21 parameters measured from EGG with 8 parameters measured from ADM. The ability of EGG to identify the underlying diagnosis was tested by comparing EGG parameters for each diagnosis group against other patients. The study comprised recordings from 148 patients and 125 females. Their median age was 45 (range 17-76) years. RESULTS: We found few and weak correlations between EGG and ADM. Specifically the correlation between parameters reflecting the response to meal was poor (r = -0.07, P = 0.39). The discriminatory power of EGG for underlying motility disorder was also low. Patients with slow transit constipation (STC) showed a lower postprandial power in normogastric (3.7 ± 0.5 vs 4.0 ± 0.5) and tachygastric (3.5 ± 0.4 vs 3.7 ± 0.4) regions, a lower percentage of time with normogastria [87.2 (56.5-100)% vs 95.7 (0-100)%], and a higher percentage of time with tachygastria [9.3 (0-33)% vs 3.5 (0-100)%] and bradygastria [1.8 (0-20)% vs 0 (0-17.1)%]. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome had a higher percentage of time with normogastria [96.5 (62.5-100)% vs 93.3 (0-100)%] and a less unstable dominant frequency as measured by the instability coefficient [15 (3-77) vs 24 (2-72)]. CONCLUSION: EGG and ADM seem to measure different aspects of gastric motor activity but cannot show a spatial correlation. The diagnostic value of EGG is poor, but EGG may have some value for the identification of patients with STC.

Gastroesophageal manometry and 24-hour double pH monitoring in neonates with birth asphyxia

INTRODUCTIONBirth asphyxia may lead to disturbances of gastroenteric motility of newborn infants[1.2] . The change of gut pressure and reflux are the major manifestations of the motor disturbance [3-9] . To evaluate the effects of perinatal asphyxia on the gastroenteric motility, gastric and esophageal pressure and double pH were measured in a group of asphyxiated newborns. And. their pathophysiological and anatomical effects on gastroenteric function were discussed.

Effect of Modified Sinisan (四逆散) on Anorectal Manometry of the Constipation Predominant Type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective: To explore the mechanism in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of the constipation predominant type and observe the therapeutic effects of Sinisan (四逆散, SNS). Methods: Forty -seven IBS patients with the constipation predominant type were randomly divided into the treated group ( n =24) and the control group ( n =23). Another group of 22 healthy subjects was set up for healthy control. The treated group was treated with modified SNS, and the control group was treated with Cisapride, the therapeutic course for both groups was 8 weeks. The changes of symptom scoring and anorectal manometry (the anorectal resting pressure, anal tract systolic pressure, anal tract diastolic pressure, rectal threshold feeling, maximal tolerance volume of rectum, and rectum compliance) of these two groups were recorded respectively and compared with each other. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, the rectal threshold feeling, maximal tolerance volume of rectum and rectal compliance of the treated groups got reduced significantly before treatment ( P <0.05). After treatment, the symptom scoring, rectal threshold feeling and maximal tolerance volume of rectum were improved in both groups ( P <0.05), and the improvement of the treated group was more significant than that of the control group( P <0.01). The total effective rate and recurrence rate of the treated group were superior to those of the control group significantly ( P <0.05, P <0.01).Conclusion: SNS has good effect on IBS of the constipation predominant type.

A Study of Anorectal Manometry in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

To study the changes of anorectal motility in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation, anorectal motility was investigated by water-perfused manometric system in 30 patients with chronic idiopathic constipation and 18 healthy subjects. Our results showed that there was no significant dif- ference between the constipation group and the control group in anal sphincteric resting pressure and anal maximal squeezing pressure. The minimum relaxation volume, the rectal defecatory threshold, the rectal maximal tolerable volume and the rectal compliance in the patients were significantly higher than those in the controls (P< 0. 01 or P< 0. 05). It is concluded that patients with chronic idio- pathic constipation have anorectal motility disturbances.

Paediatric and adult colonic manometry: A tool to help unravel the pathophysiology of constipation

Colonic motility subserves large bowel functions, including absorption, storage, propulsion and defaecation. Co-lonic motor dysfunction remains the leading hypothesis to explain symptom generation in chronic constipation, a heterogeneous condition which is extremely prevalent in the general population, and has huge socioeconomic impact and individual suffering. Physiological testing plays a crucial role in patient management, as it is now accepted that symptom-based assessment, although im-portant, is unsatisfactory as the sole means of directing therapy. Colonic manometry provides a direct method for studying motor activities of the large bowel, and this review provides a contemporary understanding of how this technique has enhanced our knowledge of normalcolonic motor physiology, as well as helping to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying constipation. Methodological approaches, including available catheter types, placement technique and recording protocols, are covered, along with a detailed description of re-corded colonic motor activities. This review also criti-cally examines the role of colonic manometry in current clinical practice, and how manometric assessment may aid diagnosis, classification and guide therapeutic inter-vention in the constipated individual. Most importantly, this review considers both adult and paediatric patients. Limitations of the procedure and a look to the future are also addressed.

Exertional esophageal pH-metry and manometry in recurrent chest pain

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of 24-h and exertional esophageal pH-metry and manometry in patients with recurrent chest pain. METHODS: The study included 111 patients (54% male) with recurrent angina-like chest pain, non-respon- sive to therapy with proton pump inhibitors. Sixty-five (59%) had non-obstructive lesions in coronary artery angiography, and in 46 (41%) significant coronary artery narrowing was found. In all patients, 24-h esophageal pH-metry and manometry, and treadmill stress tests with simultaneous esophageal pH-metry and manometry monitoring were performed. During a 24-h examination the percentage of spontaneous chest pain (sCP) episodes associated with acid reflux or dysmotility (symptom index, SI) was calculated. Patients with SI > 50% for acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were classified as having GER-related sCP. The remaining symptomatic individuals were determined as having non-GER-related sCP. During the stress test, the occurrence of chest pain, episodes of esophageal acidification (pH < 4 for 10 s) and esophageal spasm with more than 55% of simultaneous contractions (exercise-provoked esophageal spasm or EPES) were noted. RESULTS: Sixty-eight (61%) individuals reported sCP during 24-h esophageal function monitoring. Eleven of these (16%) were classified as having GER-related sCP and 53/68 (84%) as having non-GER-related sCP. The exercise-provoked chest pain during a stress test occurred in 13/111 (12%) subjects. In order to compare the clinical usefulness of 24-h esophageal function monitoring and its examination limited only to the treadmill stress test, the standard parameters of diagnostic test evaluation were determined. The occurrence of GER- related or non-GER-related sCP was assumed as a "gold standard". Afterwards, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. These parameters expressed a prediction of GER-related or non-GER-related sCP occurrence by the presence of chest pain, esophageal acidification and EPES. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of chest pain during the stress test predicting any sCP occurrence were 28%, 35% and 80%, respectively, predicting GER- related sCP were 42%, 0% and 83%, respectively, and predicting non-GER-related sCP were 57%, 36% and 83%, respectively. Similar values were obtained for exercise-related acidification with pH < 4 longer than 10 s in the prediction of GER-related sCP (44%, 36% and 92%, respectively) and EPES in relation to non-GER-related sCP (48%, 23% and 84%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The presence of chest pain, esophageal acidification and EPES had greater than 80% specificity to exclude the GER-related and non-GER-related causes of recurrent chest pain.

Preoperative physiological esophageal assessment for anti-reflux surgery:A guide for surgeons on high-resolution manometry and pH testing

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most commonlyencountered digestive diseases in the world, with the prevalence continuing toincrease. Many patients are successfully treated with lifestyle modifications andproton pump inhibitor therapy, but a subset of patients require more aggressiveintervention for control of their symptoms. Surgical treatment with fundoplicationis a viable option for patients with GERD, as it attempts to improve the integrityof the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). While surgery can be as effective asmedical treatment, it can also be associated with side effects such as dysphagia,bloating, and abdominal pain. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative assessment iscrucial to select appropriate surgical candidates. Newer technologies arebecoming increasingly available to help clinicians identify patients with true LESdysfunction, such as pH-impedance studies and high-resolution manometry(HRM). Pre-operative evaluation should be aimed at confirming the diagnosis ofGERD, ruling out any major motility disorders, and selecting appropriate surgicalcandidates. HRM and pH testing are key tests to consider for patients with GERDlike symptoms, and the addition of provocative measures such as straight legraises and multiple rapid swallows to HRM protocol can assess the presence ofunderlying hiatal hernias and to test a patient’s peristaltic reserve prior tosurgery.

Technological insights:combined impedance manometry for esophageal motility testing-current results and further implications

This review focuses on current aspects of the novel technology of combined impedance manometry for esophageal motility testing. It presents methodological features, summarizes current results and discusses implications for further research. The combined technique assesses simultaneously bolus transport and associated peristalsis, thus allowing detailed analysis of the relationships between bolus transit and esophageal motility. Recent studies demonstrate that combined impedance manometry provides important additional information about esophageal motility as compared to conventional manometry: (1) monitoring of bolus transport patterns, (2) calculation of bolus transit parameters, (3) evaluation of bolus clearance, (4) monitoring of swallow associated events such as air movement and reflux, and (5) investigation of the relationships between bolus transit and LES relaxation. Studies with healthy subjects have identified several useful parameters for comprehensive assessment of eosphageal function. These parameters were found to be pathological in patients with classical achalasia, mild GERD, and ineffective esophageal motility. The technology of combined impedance manometry provides an important new tool for esophageal function testing, advancing both clinical and basic research. However, several important issues remain to be standardized to make the technique suitable for widely clinical use.

Comparison of intraocular pressure readings with Perkins,Tonopen,iCare 200,and iCare Home to manometry in cadaveric eyes

AIM:To compare intraocular pressure(IOP)readings obtained with Perkins tonometry,i Care Home,i Care 200,and Tonopen to IOP readings obtained with the manometer of a perfusion system to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of each method of tonometry at set pressures.METHODS:The IOP of human cadaveric eyes(n=2)was measured using a manometer inserted into the eye through the optic nerve.IOP measurements were obtained using a Perkins tonometer,i Care Home,i Care 200,and Tonopen.These measurements were compared to set point IOP measurements of a manometer to determine accuracy and reproducibility of each device.RESULTS:Mean IOP readings obtained with the Perkins tonometer compared to manometer readings demonstrated a difference of-1.0±5.0 mm Hg(P=0.45),indicating a lower reading on average than manometery although not significant.Mean IOP difference between iCare 200 and manometer was 5.3±2.2 mm Hg(P<0.0001).Mean difference in IOP between iCare Home and manometer was 3.5±2.4 mm Hg(P=0.0004).Mean IOP difference compared to manometer was 4.6±4.0 mm Hg for the Tonopen(P<0.0001).IOP measurements obtained with the Perkins tonometer demonstrated a standard deviation of 5.0 mm Hg while the Tonopen measurements demonstrated a 4.0 mm Hg standard deviation.In comparison,iCare 200 and iCare Home demonstrated 2.2 and 2.4 mm Hg standard deviation,respectively.CONCLUSION:Applanation tonometry produces more accurate IOP readings than rebound tonometry or Tonopen,however it demonstrates greater variability than the other forms of tonometry.Rebound tonometry is more reproducible but tends to over-estimate IOP.

Anorectal dysfunction in patients with mid-low rectal cancer after surgery: A pilot study with three-dimensional high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND The quality of life in patients who develop low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)after surgery for mid-low rectal cancer is seriously impaired.The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of LARS has not been fully investigated.AIM To assess anorectal function of mid-low rectal cancer patients developing LARS perioperatively.METHODS Patients diagnosed with mid-low rectal cancer were included.The LARS score was used to evaluate defecation symptoms 3 and 6 mo after anterior resection or a stoma reversal procedure.Anorectal functions were assessed by threedimensional high resolution anorectal manometry preoperatively and 3-6 mo after surgery.RESULTS The study population consisted of 24 patients.The total LARS score was decreased at 6 mo compared with 3 mo after surgery(P<0.05),but 58.3%(14/24)lasted as major LARS at 6 mo after surgery.The length of the high-pressure zone of the anal sphincter was significantly shorter,the mean resting pressure and maximal squeeze pressure of the anus were significantly lower than those before surgery in allpatients (P < 0.05), especially in the neoadjuvant therapy group after surgery (n = 18). The focalpressure defects of the anal canal were detected in 70.8% of patients, and those patients had higherLARS scores at 3 mo postoperatively than those without focal pressure defects (P < 0.05). Spasticperistaltic contractions from the new rectum to anus were detected in 45.8% of patients, whichwere associated with a higher LARS score at 3 mo postoperatively (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe LARS score decreases over time after surgery in the majority of patients with mid-low rectalcancer. Anorectal dysfunctions, especially focal pressure defects of the anal canal and spasticperistaltic contractions from the new rectum to anus postoperatively, might be the majorpathophysiological mechanisms of LARS.

Distal esophageal spasm:Update on diagnosis and management in the era of high-resolution manometry

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare major motility disorder in the Chicago dassification of esophageal motility disorders (CC).DES is diagnosed by finding of≥20%premature contractions,with normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES)relaxation on high-resolution manometry (HRM) in the latest version of CCv3.0.This feature differentiates it from achalasia type 3,which has an elevated LES relaxation pressure.Like other spastic esophageal disorders,DES has been linked to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease,psychiatric conditions,and narcotic use.In addition to HRM,ancillary tests such as endoscopy and barium esophagram can provide supplemental information to differentiate DES from other conditions.Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP),a new cutting-edge diagnostic tool,is able to recognize abnormal LES dysfunction that can be missed by HRM and can further guide LES targeted treatment when esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is diagnosed on FLIP.Medical treatment in DES mostly targets symptomatic relief and often fails.Botulinum toxin injection during endoscopy may provide a temporary therapy that wears off over time.Myotomy through peroral endoscopic myotomy or via surgical Heller myotomy can provide long term relief in cases with persistent symptoms.

Postoperative changes of manometry after restorative proctocolectomy in Korean ulcerative colitis patients

To investigate the changes of postoperative anal sphincter function and bowel frequency in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODSA total of 127 patients with UC who underwent restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) during 20 years were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters of anal manometry and bowel frequency were compared according to the 6-mo intervals until 24 mo postoperatively. Manometry was used to measure the maximal squeezing pressure (MSP) and maximal resting pressure (MRP). RESULTSMSP decreased after surgery until 6 mo (157 to 142 mmHg); thereafter, it improved and was recovered to and maintained at the preoperative value at 12 mo postoperatively (142-170 mmHg, P < 0.001). Although the decreased MRP (65 to 56 mmHg) improved after 18 mo (62 mmHg), it did not completely recover to the preoperative value. The decreased rectal capacity after surgery (90 to 82 mL) gradually increased up to 150 mL at 24 mo. Although bowel frequency showed significant gradual decreases at each interval, it was stabilized after 12 mo postoperatively (6.5 times/d). CONCLUSIONPostoperative changes of manometry and bowel frequency after restorative proctocolectomy in Korean patients with UC were not different from those in Western patients with UC.

Transmitted cardiovascular pulsations on high resolution esophageal impedance manometry, and their significance in dysphagia

AIM To investigate the behavior of pulsatile pressure zones(PPZ's) as noted on high resolution esophageal impedance manometry(HREIM), and determine their association with dysphagia.METHODS Retrospective, single center case control design scr-eening HREIM studies for cases(dysphagia) and controls(no dysphagia). Thoracic radiology studies were reviewed further in cases for(thoracic cardiovascular) thoracic cardiovascular(TCV) structures in esophageal proximity to compare with HREIM findings. Manometric data was collected for number, location, axial length, PPZ pressure and esophageal clearance function(impedance). RESULTS Among 317 screened patients, 56% cases and 64% controls had PPZ's. Fifty cases had an available thoracic radiology comparison. The distribution of PPZ's in these 50 cases and 59 controls was similar(average 1.4 PPZ/patient). Controls(mean 31.2 ± SD 12 years) were a significantly younger population than cases(mean 67.3 ± SD 14.9 years) with P < 0.0001. The upright posture PPZ pressure was higher in controls(15.7 ± 10.0 mm Hg) than cases(10.8 ± 9.7 mm Hg). Although statistically significant(P = 0.005), it was a weak predictor using logistic regression and ROC model(AUC = 0.65). Three dysphagia patients had partial compression from external TCV on radiology(1 aberrant subclavian artery, 2 dilated left atrium). The posture(supine vs upright) with more prominent PPZ's impaired bolus clearance in 9 additional cases by > 20%. CONCLUSION Transmitted TCV pulsations observed in HREIM bear no significant impact on swallowing. However, in older adults with dysphagia, evidence of impaired bolus clearance on impedance should be evaluated for external TCV compression. These associations have never been explored previously in literature, and are novel.