Electrocardiographic changes: pacemaker induced.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to N Swamy.
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The effect of nitroglycerine and long acting nitrites was studied in a group of 8 normal control subjects and 12 patients with esophageal spasm. The objective response of the esophagus to these drugs was recorded by obtaining esophageal manometric studies and was correlated with response in clinical symptoms. In 7 patients who had significant gastroesophageal reflux associated with spasm, the response to nitroglycerine was unpredictable. But in the group of 5 patients with diffuse esophageal spasm without gastroesophageal reflux, the response was uniformly good. All of the patients who responded to nitroglycerine also responded to long acting nitrites. These 5 patients, who were placed on long term management with long acting nitrites, remained symptom-free from 6 months to 4 years. None of them had recurrence of symptoms while they were on long acting nitrite therapy. The study suggests that if esophageal spasm is associated with reflux, the use of nitrites is less effective in controlling spasm than it is in those who do not show this association, and that diffuse esophageal spasm can be effectively managed with long acting nitrites on a long term basis in the absence of reflux. If there is esophageal spasm associated with reflux esophagitis, nitrites may be beneficial as an adjunct to antireflux therapy.
The use of endoscopic procedures in the evaluation of primary motor disorders, or functional diseases, of the esophagus is filled with both risks and benefits. Since both flexible and open-tube esophagoscopy carry a significant risk factor, it is necessary to have a clear concept of the indications and value of endoscopy in the management of functional diseases of the esophagus. A review of the literature reveals very little documentation on the value of endoscopy in diagnosing esophageal functional diseases other than Zenker's diverticulum and achalasia. Based on the current literature and the experience of the authors, observations and recommendations concerning the role of endoscopy in functional diseases of the esophagus are presented. These are: 1) In Phase I or upper esophageal sphincter dysfunctions, endoscopy contributes little to their understanding, is difficult to perform, and may be hazardous. In this group, esophagoscopy should be reserved for indications beyond the dysfunction itself. If endoscopy has to be performed, open-tube esophagoscopy should be performed by an experienced endoscopist. 2) In functional diseases of the esophageal body or Phase II dysfunction, endoscopy is frequently valuable. In spastic disorders, it helps to differentiate between primary spasm of neuromuscular origin and spasm secondary to esophagitis or an obstructive process. In scleroderma and pulsion diverticulum, endoscopy helps to identify such unsuspected complications as esophagitis, hiatal hernia, and carcinoma. 3) In Phase III or however esophageal sphincter dysfunctions, endoscopic examination is essential both to rule out organic lesions that stimulate functional disorders, and to determine the presence and extent of esophagitis.