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.

High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in Teenagers with Esophageal Atresia

Introduction: Children with surgically repaired esophageal atresia (EA) show esophageal dysmotility. Due to the performance of high-resolution manometry (HRM), three motility alteration patterns have been described, which allowed to know the segmental alterations. Objective: To describe the esophageal motility patterns found through HRM in teenagers with EA and to relate these with the associated esophageal pathology and its severity. Materials and Method: Ten teenagers were included with no history of esophageal blockage or dilations in the last six months, who were orally fed and asymptomatic. Through performance of HRM, we found surgical and endoscopic history, as well as of esophageal biopsies and pH monitoring. Results: We found the following patterns: aperistalsis, pressurization and distal contraction. 70% showed distal contraction, and 100% of esophageal endoscopies and biopsies were normal. 57% of the esophageal pH monitoring analyzed was pathologic. In the pressurization and aperistalsis groups, we observed severe esophagitis and requirement of Nissen antireflux procedure in 100% of the cases. Esophageal pH monitoring analyzed was 100% pathologic. Conclusion: We described the esophageal segmental alterations in teenagers with atresia by means of HRM. The distal contraction group showed better development, without severe esophagitis or requirement of antireflux procedure. Therefore, by performing an HRM in teenagers with EA, we could predict the future esophageal behavior, according to the peristaltic pattern, since there are significant differences among the groups in study.

Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities on high-resolution esophageal manometry and treatment response of type Ⅱ achalasia

BACKGROUND Little is known about the clinical significance of upper esophageal sphincter(UES)motility disorders and their association with the treatment response of typeⅡachalasia.None of the three versions of the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility Disorders has defined UES abnormality metrics or their function.UES abnormalities exist in some patients and indicate a clinically significant problem in patients with achalasia.AIM To demonstrate the manometric differentiation on high-resolution esophageal manometry between subjects with abnormal UES and normal UES,and the association between UES type and the treatment response of typeⅡachalasia.METHODS In total,498 consecutive patients referred for high-resolution esophageal manometry were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into two groups,those with normal and abnormal UES function.UES parameters were analyzed after determining lower esophageal sphincter(LES)function.Patients with typeⅡachalasia underwent pneumatic dilation for treatment.Using mixed model analyses,correlations between abnormal UES and treatment response were calculated among subjects with typeⅡachalasia.RESULTS Of the 498 consecutive patients,246(49.40%)were found to have UES abnormalities.Impaired relaxation alone was the most common UES abnormality(52.85%,n=130).The incidence rate of typeⅡachalasia was significantly higher in subjects with abnormal UES than those with normal UES(9.77%vs 2.58%,P=0.01).After pneumatic dilation,LES resting pressure,LES integrated relaxation pressure,and UES residual pressure were significantly decreased(41.91±9.20 vs 26.18±13.08,38.94±10.28 vs 16.71±5.65,and 11.18±7.93 vs 5.35±4.77,respectively,P<0.05).According to the Eckardt score,subjects with typeⅡachalasia and abnormal UES presented a significantly poorer treatment response than those with normal UES(83.33%vs 0.00%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired relaxation alone is the most common UES abnormality.The incidence of typeⅡachalasia is associated with abnormal UES.TypeⅡachalasia with abnormal UES has a poorer treatment response,which is a potentially prognostic indicator of treatment for this disease.

Esophageal motility abnormalities in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Esophageal motility abnormalities are among the main factors implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The recent introduction in clinical and research practice of novel esophageal testing has markedly improved our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, allowing a better management of patients with this disorder. In this context, the present article intends to provide an overview of the current literature about esophageal motility dysfunctions in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophageal manometry, by recording intraluminal pressure, represents the gold standard to diagnose esophagealmotility abnormalities. In particular, using novel techniques, such as high resolution manometry with or without concurrent intraluminal impedance monitoring, transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations, hypotensive LES, ineffective esophageal peristalsis and bolus transit abnormalities have been better defined and strongly implicated in gastroesophageal reflux disease development. Overall, recent findings suggest that esophageal motility abnormalities are increasingly prevalent with increasing severity of reflux disease, from nonerosive reflux disease to erosive reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. Characterizing esophageal dysmotility among different subgroups of patients with reflux disease may represent a fundamental approach to properly diagnose these patients and, thus, to set up the best therapeutic management. Currently, surgery represents the only reliable way to restore the esophagogastric junction integrity and to reduce transient LES relaxations that are considered to be the predominant mechanism by which gastric contents can enter the esophagus. On that ground, more in depth future studies assessing the pathogenetic role of dysmotility in patients with reflux disease are warranted.

Effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal body contraction

AIM:To clarify the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal contraction and determine their possi-ble relationship with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.METHODS:Thirteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were measured using high resolution manometry. All subjects were randomly examined on four separate occasions following administrations of nifedipine,losartan,and atenolol,as well as without any drug administration.RESULTS:Peristaltic contractions by the esophageal body were separated into three segments by two troughs. The peak peristaltic pressures in the mid and lower segments of the esophageal body under atenolol administration were signifi cantly higher than those without medication in a supine position. On the other hand,peristaltic pressures under nifedipine administration were lower than those observed without drug ad-ministration. Losartan did not change esophageal body peristalsis. Atenolol elevated LES pressure and slowed peristaltic wave transition,while the effects of nifedip-ine were the opposite. CONCLUSION:Among the anti-hypertensive drugs tested,atenolol enhanced esophageal motor activity,which was in contrast to nifedipine.

Changes in the esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction manometric feature based on the Chicago Classification updates

BACKGROUND The critical diagnostic criteria for esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction(EGJOO)were published in the latest Chicago Classification version 4.0(CCv4.0).In addition to the previous criterion[elevated integrated relaxation pressure(IRP)in supine position],manometric diagnosis of EGJOO requires meeting the criteria of elevated median-IRP during upright wet swallows and elevated intrabolus pressure.However,with the diagnostic criteria modification,the change in manometric features of EGJOO remained unclear.AIM To evaluate the esophageal motility characteristics of patients with EGJOO and select valuable parameters for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 370 patients who underwent highresolution manometry with 5 mL water swallows×10 in supine,×5 in upright position and the rapid drink challenge(RDC)with 200 mL water from November 2016 to November 2021 at Peking University First Hospital.Fifty-one patients with elevated integrated supine IRP and evidence of peristalsis were enrolled,with 24 patients meeting the updated manometric EGJOO diagnosis(CCv4.0)as the EGJOO group and 27 patients not meeting the updated EGJOO criteria as the isolated supine IRP elevated group(either normal median IRP in upright position or less than 20%of supine swallows with elevated IBP).Forty-six patients with normal manometric features were collected as the normal high-resolution manometry(HRM)group.Upper esophageal sphincter(UES),esophageal body,and lower esophageal sphincter(LES)parameters were compared between groups.RESULTS Compared with the normal HRM group,patients with EGJOO(CCv4.0)had significantly lower proximal esophageal contractile integral(PECI)and proximal esophageal length(PEL),with elevated IRP on RDC(P<0.05 for each comparison),while isolated supine IRP elevated patients had no such feature.Patients with EGJOO also had more significant abnormalities in the esophagogastric junction than isolated supine IRP elevated patients,including higher LES resting pressure(LESP),intrabolus pressure,median supine IRP,median upright IRP,and IRP on RDC(P<0.05 for each comparison).Patients with dysphagia had significantly lower PECI and PEL than patients without dysphagia among the fifty-one with elevated supine IRP.Further multivariate analysis revealed that PEL,LESP,and IRP on RDC are factors associated with EGJOO.The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed UES nadir pressure,PEL,PECI,LESP,and IRP on RDC are parameters supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.CONCLUSION Based on CCv4.0,patients with EGJOO have more severe esophagogastric junction dysfunction and are implicated in the proximal esophagus.Additionally,several parameters are supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.

Comparison of clinical features and high-resolution esophageal motility characteristics between esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and type Ⅱ achalasia patients

Objective To compare the clinical features and high-resolution esophageal motility-impedance characteristics among esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction(Eoo)patients,typeⅡachalasia(Ach)patients and healthy controls(Con),in order to explore the values of esophageal high-resolution manometry(HRM)in diagnosis and treatment of Eoo patients.Methods Patients

基于深度学习的高分辨率食管测压图谱中食管收缩活力分类

高分辨率食管测压技术(HRM)作为检测食管动力障碍性疾病(EMD)的金标准,已广泛应用于临床试验以辅助医生进行诊断治疗。随着患病率的上升,HRM图像的数据量爆炸式增长,加之EMD的诊断流程较为复杂,临床上EMD误诊事件时有发生。为了提高EMD诊断的准确性,希望搭建一个计算机辅助诊断(Computer Aided Diagnosis,CAD)系统帮助医生对HRM图像进行自动分析。由于食管收缩活力的异常是诊断EMD的重要依据,该文提出了一个深度学习模型(PoS-ClasNet)以完成对HRM图像的食管收缩活力分类任务,为今后机器代替人工诊断EMD奠定基础。PoS-ClasNet作为一个多任务卷积神经网络(CNN)由PoSNet和S-ClasNet构成。前者用于HRM图像中吞咽框的检测和提取任务,后者根据食管吞咽特征鉴别收缩活力类型。实验使用了4000幅专家标记的HRM图像,用于训练、验证和测试的图像分别占比为70%,20%和10%。在测试集上,食管收缩活力分类器PoS-ClasNet的分类准确率高达93.25%,精度和召回率分别为93.39%和93.60%。结果表明PoS-ClasNet能较好地适应HRM图像数据的特性,在智能诊断食管收缩活力的任务中表现出了不俗的准确性和稳健性。将它应用在临床上辅助医生诊疗,会带来巨大的社会效益。

NERD患者食管动力、24 h酸反流及伴发情绪因素动态测定值与年龄的相关性

目的通过对不同年龄段NERD患者高分辨率食管测压、24 h食管胃酸pH监测及HAMA和HAMD他评量表评定结果分析,总结其发病特点,以期为临床NERD患者提供更精准治疗。方法选取具有反酸、胃灼热症状的NERD患者98例,按年龄段随机分为3组,A组(青年组)31例,B组(中年组)34例,C组(老年组)33例,通过观察LES静息压力、食管异常运动百分比、酸反流次数、反流指数、DeMeester积分及HAMA/HAMD评分等指标,评价不同年龄段NERD患者的发病特点。结果 LES静息压力、食管异常运动百分比、反流指数(%)与DeMeester积分方面,B组与C组相比,具有统计学差异(P<0.05);A组与B组,A组与C组相比,P>0.05。酸反流次数方面,A,B,C三组,组间两两比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。HAMA/HAMD他评量表评分,A组与B组、B组与C组,均P<0.05,差异具有统计学意义,A组与C组相比,P>0.05,差异无统计学意义。结论不同年龄段NERD患者发病机制及特点存在不同的趋向性。

Gender,medication use and other factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in non-obstructive dysphagia

Background:High-resolution esophageal manometry(HREM)is the diagnostic test of choice for evaluation of nonobstructive dysphagia.Studies regarding the predictors of esophageal dysmotility are limited.Therefore,our aim was to study the prevalence of and factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of all patients with non-obstructive dysphagia who underwent HREM in a tertiary center between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015.After obtaining IRB approval(16–051),clinical records were scrutinized for demographic data,symptoms,medication use,upper endoscopic findings and esophageal pH findings.HREM plots were classified per Chicago Classification version 3.0.Primary outcome was prevalence of esophageal motility disorders;secondary outcomes assessed predictive factors.Results:In total,155 patients with non-obstructive dysphagia(55616 years old,72%female)were identified.HREM diagnosis was normal in 49%followed by ineffective esophageal motility in 20%,absent contractility in 7.1%,achalasia type II in 5.8%,outflow obstruction in 5.2%,jackhammer esophagus in 4.5%,distal esophageal spasm in 3.9%,fragment peristalsis in 1.9%,achalasia type I in 1.9%,and achalasia type III in 0.6%.Men were five times more likely to have achalasia than women[odds ratio(OR)5.3,95%confidence interval(CI):2.0–14.2;P=0.001].Patients with erosive esophagitis(OR 2.9,95%CI:1.1–7.7;P=0.027)or using calcium channel blockers(OR 3.0,95%CI:1.2–7.4;P=0.015)were three times more likely to have hypomotility disorders.Conclusion:From this study,we concluded that HREM diagnosis per Chicago Classification version 3.0 was normal in 49%of patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.Male gender,erosive esophagitis and use of calcium channel blockers were predictive of esophageal motility disorders.

系统性硬化症患者高分辨率测压下食管动力特点

目的应用高分辨率测压的方法对系统性硬化症患者食管运动功能及其与食管症状的关系进行研究。方法选择临床确诊为系统性硬化症的患者18例，均接受36通道高分辨率食管测压检查，记录食管括约肌静息压力、10次5ml水及10ml水连续吞咽状态下食管体部蠕动情况。结果18例受试者中失蠕动8例，弱蠕动9例（频发性无蠕动及大缺损性弱蠕动7例），下食管括约肌压力降低8例。连续吞咽中88．9％的患者未见蠕动波出现。10例存在食管症状者中，失蠕动患者6例，食管体部弱蠕动4例。无食管症状者中，2例失蠕动，5例食管体部弱蠕动。结论食管功能异常在系统性硬化症患者中发生率较高，疾病早期无食管症状者即可出现食管动力异常。

高分辨率食管测压联合24小时pH阻抗技术在胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝中的应用

目的探讨高分辨率食管测压(HRM)联合24 h pH阻抗技术技术在胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝的诊断及腹腔镜胃底折叠术式选择。方法回顾性分析2015年4月至2019年10月,潍坊市人民医院胃肠外科行胃镜及HRM检查联合24 h pH阻抗技术,确诊为胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝并收住普外科的167例患者的临床资料,统计胃镜及HRM检查联合24 h pH阻抗技术诊断胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝的确诊率。结果HRM检查联合24 h pH阻抗技术的检出率为83.32%(139/167),特异性为100%(139/139);胃镜确诊为67.06%(112/167):其中由胃镜和HRM均确诊112例患者,约占80.57%(112/139),HRM技术的检出率明显高于胃镜;其中105例行腹腔镜治疗食管裂孔疝修补术联合胃底折叠术,7例患者及家属因各种原因放弃手术选择内科保守治疗。结论HRM检查联合24 h pH阻抗技术较胃镜对胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝的诊断具有更高的特异性,并能够有效地指导胃底折叠手术方案。