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At least 1,423 records · Page 79Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Predictive value of symptom profiles in patients with suspected oesophageal dysmotility.

The main aim of the study was to determine prospectively, in patients referred for oesophageal manometry, whether certain combinations of oesophageal symptoms are more likely than others to predict the presence of oesophageal dysmotility or a positive response to acid perfusion testing. In 524 consecutive patients, presenting predominantly with (non-cardiac) chest pain (n = 277), dysphagia (n = 186), or heartburn (n = 61), a standardized symptom assessment was completed before oesophageal manometry and acid perfusion testing. Half the patients in each group reported additional ('secondary') oesophageal symptoms as well as the predominant symptom. Oesophageal dysmotility was categorized in accordance with standard manometric criteria for achalasia, diffuse oesophageal spasm, nutcracker oesophagus, hypertensive lower oesophageal sphincter, or non-specific oesophageal motility disorder. In the predominant chest pain group, the prevalence of abnormal manometry was 33%; in the presence of secondary symptoms, especially dysphagia rather than heartburn, however, the prevalence was significantly (p < 0.01) increased. Also in the predominant chest pain group the prevalence of positive acid perfusion testing (44%) was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in those with than in those without secondary symptoms. In the predominant dysphagia group, the prevalence of abnormal manometry was higher than in the other two groups (56%; p < 0.001) but was not affected by the presence or absence of secondary symptoms; this latter finding was also true for the predominant heartburn group. The distribution of specific manometric disorders in any group was not related to the presence or type of secondary symptoms, although a combination of dysphagia and chest pain discriminated achalasia from other manometric disorders.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aphasia↗
PubMed1996

Anorectal dysfunction in systemic sclerosis.

This study was aimed to evaluate the anorectal dysfunction in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and propose the clinical significance of anorectal manometry in patients with SSc. Seven patients with SSc were evaluated with manometry for anorectal function and an additional 11 normal subjects were collected as a control group. The study group underwent esophageal manometry as well and the correlation between the degree of anorectal and esophageal dysfunction was evaluated. Patients showed a lower tolerance for balloon distention of the rectum than controls (minimal sensory volume and urgency volume, P < 0.05). The resting and squeezing pressure of the anal sphincter and the functional length of the anal canal showed no significant difference in these two groups. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was absent in one (14%) and diminished in two (29%) of seven patients with SSc. SSc patients also showed abnormal esophageal manometry findings, notably decreased LES pressure and body amplitude of distal 2/3 esophagus. The comparison between manometric profiles of anorectum and esophagus showed no significant correlation by statistical analysis. In conclusion, our data could suggest that anorectal function may be impaired in patients with SSc which could reflect the involvement of the anorectum by the disease, and that anorectal manometric studies can be useful to detect such dysfunction in patients with SSc, even before clinical symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Early feeding resistance: a possible consequence of neonatal oro-oesophageal dyskinesia.

UNLABELLED: Paediatricians frequently find early feeding disorders in neonates and infants that result in poor weight gain and which sometimes have no clear organic basis. For many years, we have observed infants with unexplained poor feeding skills and excessive regurgitation, and since 1992 we have prospectively performed oesophageal manometry in infants hospitalized for retarded growth and "unexplained" feeding disorders. From the group of infants hospitalized for growth failure in the General Paediatric Unit of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital from 1992 to 1997, we identified 16 children (3%) with abnormal feeding behaviour who had an abnormal oesophageal manometry. The manometric data of these children were compared with those of a group of 16 age-matched children who underwent oesophageal manometry for other reasons, and served as controls. The affected children had precocious feeding skills disorders: prolonged bottle-feeding (75%), bottle refusal (75%), unexplained crying (63%) and excessive regurgitation (94%). Half of them had mild anatomical facial consequences of their poor foetal sucking, and mild pharyngolaryngeal hypotonia, which could not be considered as malformations. Apart from these disorders, their clinical status was normal. At inclusion, their oesophageal manometry was abnormal, showing in 70% of cases specific anomalies: lower oesophageal sphincter hypertonia and/or partial failure to relax, and giant waves of oesophagus body. Their course was good and their feeding difficulties decreased around the end of the first year, with the acquisition of normal voluntary mastication. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the early feeding resistance of this group of children could be related to an organic and transient neonatal oro-oesophageal dyskinesia.

Esophageal Motility Disorders↗
PubMed2005

Recent developments in esophageal motor disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past year, further insights into the control of esophageal motility and disturbances associated with motor disorders, and additional information about the treatment of esophageal motor disorders has emerged. This review outlines the major developments in these areas. RECENT FINDINGS: The pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing appear to be controlled by different areas within the vagal nuclei. Differences in the density and activation of calcium channels may explain differences in activity between the circular and clasp fibers of the lower esophageal sphincter and in the peristaltic function of the esophageal body. Tonic cholinergic input is the major determinant of esophageal tone. Experimental diabetes mellitus alters the mechanics of the esophageal body. Subtle abnormalities of peristalsis have been identified by high-resolution manometry and 24-hour ambulatory manometry that are not evident on standard manometry in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia. In achalasia, additional support has been provided for vagal damage in some patients with achalasia as well as evidence for a viral-induced immune damage to the myenteric plexus. The three main treatments for achalasia - botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilatation, and minimally invasive myotomy have been re-evaluated. Myotomy continues to provide the best results. Intraoperative manometry would seem to be a useful aid to minimize the risk of incomplete myotomy. The usefulness of glucagon in relieving food bolus obstruction has been revisited in a retrospective study. SUMMARY: These studies provide further information with which to more effectively manage esophageal motor disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The relationship between ineffective esophageal motility and gastro-esophageal reflux disease].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a distinct manometric entity characterized by a hypocontractile esophagus. Recently, IEM replaced the nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD), and its associations with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory symptoms are well known. We evaluated the relationship of IEM with GERD, and the diagnostic value of IEM for GERD. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed recent 3-year (Jan. 1998-Sep. 2002) datas of esophageal manometry, acid perfusion test and simultaneous 24 hr-ambulatory pH-metry with manometry studies in 270 consecutive patients with esophageal and/or GERD symptoms. The prevalence of IEM in GERD group and non-GERD group, and the variables of pH-metry and manometry among esophageal motility disorders were compared. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of IEM, esophageal symptom, and acid perfusion test for GERD were calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in IEM prevalence rate between GERD group and non-GERD group. In addition, there was no significant difference in GERD prevalence rate and esophageal acid clearance in variety of motility disorder groups. Total percent time of pH <4 in IEM group did not show any difference when compared with other groups except in the achalasia group. In regard of diagnostic value to detect GERD, all positive results showed high specificity (97%) in IEM with esophageal symptom and positive acid perfusion test. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of IEM using esophageal manometry in patients with various esophageal symptoms does not strongly suggest on association with GERD. However, IEM with concomitant esophageal symptoms and positive acid perfusion test has diagnostic values for GERD.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Characteristics of anorectal motility spectrum and preliminary approach to treatment of functional constipation in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of anorectal motility spectrum in children with functional constipation in comparison with healthy children and determine the efficacy of treatment measures based on the results of anorectal manometry. METHODS: Anorectal manometric indexes were detected by the multi-functional manometry in eight patients with functional constipation aged (11.4 +/- 4.8) yrs and ten healthy children aged (10.5 +/- 3.5) yrs from May 2004 to June 2005. The patients received combined treatment including probiotics (Bifid. triple viable), prebiotics (Lactulose) and regular defecation according to the results of anorectal manometry in patients with functional constipation. The efficacy of these conservative measures were estimated during the course of treatment. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in the indexes of effective length of anal sphincter, maximal systolic pressure and the duration of more than 50% of maximal systolic pressure between two groups. But minimal sensitivity and maximal tolerated volume between the two groups were significantly different. Seven of eight patients got better with the conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Abnormal features exit in the anorectal motility spectrum of the children with functional constipation. The clinical efficacy of the conservative treatment measures based on the results of anorectal manometry is significantly good.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Three-dimensional pressure profilometry of the anal sphincter.

Single channel manometry is of limited value in determining the cause of sphincter dysfunction. This is due mainly to the recording variability caused by radial pressure asymmetry. Multi-channel manometry does not have this disadvantage, but is complicated and difficult to interpret. We report on computerized eight-channel manometry which permits three-dimensional reconstruction of the sphincter. Fifteen subjects were measured. At rest, lower pressures were recorded in the left, left-dorsal, and dorsal directions. Sphincter length was shortest in the right direction and ventral directions. The graphic reconstruction showed marked indentations in the right- and right anterior direction, and one indentation on the opposite side. At maximal squeeze the graphic reconstruction showed the same indentations, but they were more pronounced. In conclusion, computerized eight-channel manometry proved to be an efficient technique which could be routinely applicable. The graphic reconstruction provides insight into radial and axial pressure asymmetry.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A comparative prospective study of an edrophonium test and an esophageal balloon distension test in 78 patients with non-coronary angina and 12 healthy controls].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to compare the most current tests used for the diagnosis of esophageal angina-like pain: manometry, balloon distension, edrophonium provocation. METHOD: 78 patients with angina-like pain, who had normal coronary arteriograms, and 12 healthy controls were prospectively evaluated with esophageal manometry, esophageal balloon distension, according to Barish's method (2), edrophonium provocation and 3 h pH-monitoring. Provocation tests were considered positive if they reproduced the angina-like pain. RESULTS: basal manometry was abnormal in 23 patients (29%); nutcracker esophagus; 8, achalasia; 1, diffuse esophageal spasm: 1, hypertensive LES: 2, non specific motility disorders: 5, It was abnormal in 1 healthy control (1 nutcracker esophagus). Edrophonium provocation was positive in 19 patients (24%) and in none of the controls. Balloon distension was positive in 33 patients (42%) and none of the controls, but 3 controls experienced a back pain at 7, 9 and 9 cc. Balloon distension was more sensitive than edrophonium provocation (p less than 0.001). There was no correlation between the results of the basal manometry and those of balloon distension and no correlation between pH monitoring and balloon distension. 1) Balloon distension is the most sensitive test and should be used at first. 2) If balloon distension is negative edrophonium provocation can be useful because the pain mechanism is different. 3) Some controls can experience a back pain without irradiation, then balloon distension must be considered positive only if it strictly reproduces the spontaneous angina-like pain.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Experimental and clinical studies on the lower esophageal sphincter in reference to its asymmetry and to the effects of respiration, posture and gastric contents].

The present study was designed to investigate basic and clinical problems of intraluminal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) manometry. As for the basic study, manometry apparatuses, measuring conditions and methods were revalued. For clinical study, effects of gastric contents and gastrin were studied with special reference to the asymmetry of the LES. The results obtained may be summarized as follows: Occlusion test performed in a LES model and dogs showed that the rate of pressure increase was greater in proportion to the greater perfusion rate as well as to smaller calibre of the manometry tube. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) became greatest when the perfusion rate was increased up to a certain level and also when the withdrawal speed of a manometry tube was slowed down to a certain speed. Analysis of LES from the point of respiratory reversal disclosed that the pressure was greatest at the direction of 8 o'clock followed by those at 0 and 4 o'clock. The length of LES was longest at 4 o'clock followed by those at 0 and 8 o'clock. These differences in length of LES was mostly in accordance with the length of LES caudal to the point of respiratory reversal. LESP measured in different postures was greatest in the prone position suggesting the effect of intraabdominal pressure. Intragastric instillation of saline resulted in increase of intragastric pressure and LESP. Asymmetry of the LES in patients with sliding hiatal hernia, esophageal varices and achalasia showed profiles specific to the individual lesion.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Provocation of esophageal pain by ergonovine or edrophonium.

Ten patients with anginal symptoms and ergonovine-induced chest pain without coronary artery spasm had esophageal manometry with provocative pharmacologic testing. Increased amplitude of esophageal contractions on baseline manometry (68.2 +/- 10.3 mmHg) was the only characteristic discriminating these patients from normals (40.9 +/- 6.3 mmHg) and from patients with esophageal motility disorders (39.6 +/- 7.5 mmHg). The administration of ergonovine or edrophonium provoked typical chest pain in association with high amplitude, long duration, and repetitive esophageal contractions in all 10 patients. Patients with esophageal motor disorders showed a similar, but less marked esophageal response with pain infrequently produced. Normals showed no response to ergonovine, and a minimal response to edrophonium, but without chest pain. Clinical features of patients with ergonovine-induced chest pain could not distinguish them from patients with coronary artery disease; esophageal symptoms were infrequent and mild. These studies suggest that certain patients with chest pain of esophageal origin may be identified only by provocative testing during esophageal manometry. However, these provocative drugs may also induce coronary artery spasm and should not be used during routine clinical manometry.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Anorectal functional study. The state of the art].

Disturbances of anal continence and evacuation are frequent. Numerous techniques are now available to measure anorectal function. There is also a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor which has a major role in anorectal function. ANORECTAL MANOMETRY. Manometry of the anal canal is an index of the resistance of sphincters to the passage of faeces. Resting pressure is due mainly to the internal anal sphincter whereas voluntary contraction is due mainly to the external anal sphincter. Anorectal manometry is essential in measuring the length of the anal canal and in establishing the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Several techniques are employed to evaluate anorectal manometry which is useful in the investigation of patients with faecal incontinence and constipation. PUDENDAL LATENCIES: Pudendal latencies are valuable in the study of the innervation of the external anal sphincter. Pudendal latencies are measured thanks to the stimulation of the S2-S4 nerves lying in the proximity of the ischial spine through the use of a special glove (St Mark's glove). Prolonged pudendal latencies are typical of neurogenic faecal incontinence but it can be brought about by childbirth, rectal prolapse, obstructed defecation and old age. ELECTROMYOGRAPHY. Electromyography is useful in the study of the function of the pelvic floor. This technique can be performed with single fibre needles which make it possible to measure the action potentials and the fibre density of the muscular fibres. Fibre density is raised in neurogenic faecal incontinence and the action potentials are polyphasic in this condition. Concentric needles are employed to map the anal sphincters and this is useful for evaluating the extent of the damage caused by traumatic events like a third degree tear. ANAL ENDOSONOGRAPHY. Anal ultrasound is very effective in the study of the morphology of the anal sphincters and it requires a rectal probe fitted with a 7-MHz transducer. It is as accurate as electromyography in evaluating the damage to the anal sphincters but it is not painful and it is more acceptable to the patient. DEFECOGRAPHY. This radiological test is a dynamic study of the pelvic floor during defecation. It is very useful for investigating the function and the morphology of the rectum and the pelvic floor during defecation. Important parameters like: the anorectal angle, the opening of the anal canal, the position of the pelvic floor and the descent of the perineum can be evaluated with this test. Defecography is useful in the study of patients with rectal prolapse and constipation. CONCLUSION. All these tests provide extremely useful information on the pelvic floor and are reproducible. They can be of great help in evaluating patients with pelvic floor disorders but they are no substitute for clinical judgement.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1995

The preoperative evaluation of patients considered for laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Few studies address the proper extent of the preoperative testing in patients referred for consideration of antireflux surgery. Our aim was to perform a thorough gastroesophageal evaluation and determine its influence on the therapeutic decisions of such patients. We evaluated 107 consecutive patients in a combined GI/Surgery clinic for severe or refractory gastroesophageal reflux. The patients had an EGD, esophageal manometry, and 24-h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. Only patients with gastric symptoms had gastric testing. Nineteen patients were excluded, 12 refused further evaluation and seven were felt to be unfit for antireflux surgery because of medical or psychological reasons. Eighty-eight patients completed the required studies. Fifty-four patients (61%) had typical reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis on EGD. All these patients had an abnormal pH study. Five of the 34 patients without esophagitis had a normal pH study and did not have surgery. Ten patients had poor peristalsis by esophageal manometry prompting a subtotal fundoplication. One patient had severe delayed gastric emptying, requiring pyloroplasty in addition to the fundoplication. Eighty of 83 patients had good or excellent surgical results. EGD and esophageal manometry are indispensable in the preoperative evaluation. Manometry may identify abnormalities altering surgical decisions in roughly 10% of patients. Routine ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is of marginal benefit, except in patients without esophagitis or in those patients where the diagnosis is in doubt. Clinically significant gastric abnormalities are rare, and routine testing of gastric function is not indicated.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in suspected Oddi's sphincter dysfunction].

Endoscopic manometry and quantitative cholescintigraphy are the diagnostic cornerstones for the detection of suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. In patients with recurrent biliary pain after cholecystectomy, endoscopic manometry proves an elevated sphincter of Oddi baseline pressure as the most common finding. The probability for the detection of an elevated baseline pressure in these patients is significantly correlated with the presence of certain clinical features (i.e. biliary pain and/or cholestasis and/or dilated bile duct and/or delayed drainage of contrast material after ERCP). Therefore, these features enable a clinical classification of patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Isolated baseline pressure elevations in the pancreatic portion of the sphincter of Oddi were reported in patients with recurrent, idiopathic, acute pancreatitis. In patients with biliary sphincter dysfunction, therapeutic relief can be expected from pharmacological therapy, but controlled studies are lacking. However, the clinical value of endoscopic sphincterotomy could be established in this field. Despite endoscopic manometry is not a prerequisite for the performance fo endoscopic sphincterotomy in every case of suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, in most patients endoscopic manometry allows the only definitive diagnosis of sphincter dysfunction. Further on, the clinical value of semi-invasive methods as alternative treatment strategies (i.e. botulinum-toxin, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, balloon dilation) for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has to be evaluated in the future.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

[Diagnostic value of upper endoscopy in achalasia of the esophagus].

Thirty one patients with achalasia of the oesophagus as diagnosed by manometry between 1978 and 1991 at Aarhus Municipal Hospital (Arhus Kommunehospital) constituted the study group. All had had at least one upper endoscopy prior to oesophageal manometry. At the last endoscopy before manometry the endoscopist had no suspicion of achalasia in 48.4% of the cases. It is concluded, that in patients with dysphagia where an organic cause is excluded by upper endoscopy, oesophageal manometry should be carried out.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

A comparison of esophageal motility in response to bread swallows and water swallows.

Studies of esophageal manometry during eating have demonstrated abnormal motility in patients with dysphagia in whom standard water-swallow manometry was normal. However, there have been few concurrent motility studies making a direct comparison of food swallows with water swallows. This paper presents the results of such a study in 20 healthy volunteers. A comparison of bread swallows with water swallows revealed that both peristaltic amplitude in the proximal esophagus and peristaltic duration throughout the esophagus were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Peristaltic propagation velocity was significantly decreased in the proximal and mid-esophagus (p < 0.05). Percentages of nonconducted and nonperistaltic contractions were significantly increased (p < 0.05-0.001) during bread-swallow manometry. Therefore, the response of the normal esophagus to food has been shown to be different from its response to water swallows. In particular, the high percentage of nonpropagated swallows in normal subjects when eating indicates that the results of food manometry in patients with dysphagia must include wider limits of normality.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Do ultrasound parameters allow diagnosis of biliary sphincter of Oddi dysfunction?].

UNLABELLED: A noninvasive test to prove sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is desired, because endoscopic manometry is technically demanding and not without risks. METHODS: 40 consecutive patients (n = 20 patients with, and n = 20 patients without enzymatic cholestasis) with suspected SOD were investigated both by ultrasonography (US; 3.5 MHz) and by endoscopic manometry. SOD was suspected at US if the extrahepatic bile duct diameter was > or = 9 mm and a further increase (at least > 0.5 mm) was observed after intravenous ceruletide (0.3 micrograms/kg b.w.). SOD was verified manometrically by a sphincter of Oddi basal pressure > or = 40 mmHg. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed if SOD was diagnosed by manometry. Thereafter, all patients were enrolled in a prospective follow-up (median: one year). RESULTS: At US SOD was suspected in eleven of 20 patients with cholestasis. SOD was confirmed manometrically in all of them but also in two further patients (13 of 20 patients with proven SOD). After EST twelve of 13 patients remained free from biliary symptoms. In the 20 patients without cholestasis SOD was suspected at US in five patients only. However, endoscopic manometry revealed SOD in eleven of 20 patients and proved sonographically presumed SOD in only three of five patients. After EST only three of eleven patients remained asymptomatic during follow-up (p < 0.05 vs. patients with cholestasis). Clinically important side effects were not observed after ceruletide administration, whereas postmanometry pancreatitis was observed in three of 40 patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with recurrent symptoms after cholecystectomy and enzymatic cholestasis SOD was reliably diagnosed by ultrasonography (sensitivity: 85%, specificity: 100%), and this finding may guide endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The effect of Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication on the motor function of swallowing in patients with reflux diseases].

This prospective study was undertaken to assess the motility of the middle and lower esophagus and LES resting pressure changes following the N-R fundoplication for GER. The study was carried out in 53 consecutive patients (37 women, 16 men, median age 49.1 +/- 6.2 years), operated due to antireflux mechanism insufficiency. Threefold solid state for manometry and double channel for pH metry catheters in the body of the esophagus were used before and after the operation (median follow up time was 18 months). The LES length and resting pressure were evaluated with Synectics On-line interface. The objective results obtained during 24-h pH metry and manometry were shown as median and standard deviation, with statistical significances determined using the SPSS/PC+ packet (p < 0.05 considered as significant). The individual patients' data were analyzed by Synectics software. 24-h pH metry confirmed that Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication efficaciously reduced pathological GER (significant decrease of DeMeester score from 105.6 +/- 12.2 to 5.2 +/- 3.4, p < 0.0002). Manometry proved the increase of the LES resting pressure from 7.6 +/- 3.2 to 18.2 +/- 4.2, p < 0.0005, and its total length from 3.1 +/- 0.8 to 4.2 +/- 1.0, p < 0.01. The improvement of the esophageal body peristalsis was found first of all in total period. Motility changes following N-R fundoplication during the reflux period were unsatisfactory. The frequency of peristalic contractions with higher amplitude and longer duration significantly increased after the operation in total period in all levels. The increase of the complete peristaltic contractions following N-R fundoplication was high significant from 22.15% to 60.21%, p < 0.0001. Although significant improvement of the efficacy of esophageal peristalis was observed, however it was still under 50% of normal level all the time (15.4% v. 41.7%, p < 0.002). The most impressive improvement of esophageal peristalis was noticed in the lower part of the esophagus. The increase of the complete peristaltic contractions during the reflux period was observed only in upright position. Least profitable changes in esophageal body motility were noticed during the reflux period in supine position. In comparison with the total period manometry results the efficacy of the esophageal perystalsis during the reflux period was defected before as well as after the operation, (11.2% v. 22.5%, p = NS).

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Achalasia presenting after operative and nonoperative trauma.

Achalasia has been described following fundoplication and is attributed to vagal nerve damage during surgery. Similarly, other traumatic events to the distal esophagus may be linked to the development of achalasia. Operative and nonoperative trauma as a possible factor in the development of achalasia was studied. A retrospective analysis of patients with achalasia (n = 64) at our institution was performed. Collected data included age, gender, symptoms, and history of operative and nonoperative traumatic events. Comparisons were made to a group of patients with similar symptoms but normal esophageal manometry (n = 73). Achalasia was diagnosed by manometry in 125 patients over a 6-year period. All patients with complete medical records (n = 64) were studied. A history of operative or nonoperative trauma to the upper gastrointestinal tract prior to the development of symptomatic achalasia was present in 16 of 64 (25%). Significantly fewer patients (9.5%) with symptoms of dysphagia, but normal manometry and upper endoscopy, had precedent trauma to the upper gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.05). All cases of nonoperative trauma occurred in motor vehicle accidents. Cases of operative trauma included coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 4), bariatric surgery (n = 2), fundoplication (n = 3), heart/lung transplantation (n = 1), and others (n = 5). Patients with proven achalasia and a history of trauma were more likely to have chest pain (RR, 4.5; P = 0.012) but less likely to have regurgitation (RR, 0.51; P = 0.01) or nausea/vomiting (RR, 0.0; P = 0.27) than those without a history of antecedent trauma. In this series, significantly more patients with achalasia had a history of preceding trauma than did patients with similar symptoms and normal esophageal manometry. Following trauma, patients may be at increased risk for developing achalasia, possibly from neuropathic dysfunction due to vagal nerve damage. Patients with posttraumatic achalasia may have symptoms which differ from those of other achalasia patients.

Accidents, Traffic↗