Luciana C. Silva

Upper esophageal sphincter resting pressure varies during esophageal manometry

Background The upper esophageal sphincter is composed of striated muscle. The stress of intubation and the need to inhibit dry swallows during an esophageal manometry test may lead to variations in basal pressure of this sphincter. Upper esophageal sphincter is usually only studied at the final part of the test. Was observed during the performance of high resolution manometry that sphincter pressure may vary significantly over the course of the test. Aim To evaluate the variation of the resting pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter during high resolution manometry. Methods Was evaluated the variation of the basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter during high resolution manometry. Were reviewed the high resolution manometry tests of 36 healthy volunteers (mean age 31 years, 55% females). The basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was measured at the beginning and at the end of a standard test. Results The mean time of the test was eight minutes. The basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was 100 mmHg at the beginning of the test and 70 mmHg at the end (p<0.001). At the beginning, one patient had hypotonic upper esophageal sphincter and 14 hypertonic. At the end of the test, one patient had hypotonic upper esophageal sphincter (same patient as the beginning) and seven hypertonic upper esophageal sphincter. Conclusion A significant variation of the basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was observed in the course of high resolution manometry. Probably, the value obtained at the end of the test may be more clinically relevant.

Postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

An unbuffered layer of acidity that escapes neutralization by food has been demonstrated in volunteers and gastroesophageal reflux disease patients. This postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket (PPGAP) is manometrically defined by the presence of acid reading (pH<4) in a segment of the proximal stomach between nonacid segments distally (food) and proximally (lower esophageal sphincter or distal esophagus). The PPGAP may have important clinical implications; however, it is still poorly understood. Gastric anatomy and physiology seem to be important elements for PPGAP genesis. Gastric operations and acid suppression medications may decrease distal - proximal intragastric acid reflux and help control gastroesophageal reflux.

Esophageal Dysmotility in Gillespie Syndrome

A 16-year-old girl presented with dysphagia and heartburn for 10 years. She was diagnosed with Gillespie syndrome at the age of 1 year. Neurologic findings were represented by bilateral aniridia, strabismus, ataxia and cognitive impairment. Karyotype was normal (46, XX). The upper digestive endoscopy disclosed an esophageal dilation and a 5 cm sized Barretts esophagus confirmed by biopsy. High-resolution manometry showed aperistalsis and a non-detectable lower esophageal sphincter due to severe hypotonia (Figure), corresponding to absent peristalsis on the Chicago classification.1 Ambulatory 24 hours pH monitoring disclosed a pathological acid reflux (total % time pH < 4: 36%, DeMeester score = 149). Figure High-resolution manometry showing aperistalsis and a non-detected lower esophageal sphincter due to severe hypotonia. Gillespie syndrome is a very rare disease described firstly in 1965. It is defined by the triad of cerebellar ataxia, aniridia and mental deficiency.2 Associated manifestations have been infrequently described.3,4 However, esophageal involvement has never been reported. Although the presented association between Gillespie syndrome and esophageal dysmotility may be incidental, there is also a possibility that esophageal dysmotility could be a true sign of Gillespie syndrome. We consider Frizzled 4 gene could be related with both conditions. Frizzled 4 gene is expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, esophageal skeletal muscle and cochlear inner hair cells and the targeted deletion of this gene in rats exhibited distinct defects such as absence of a skeletal muscle sheath around the lower esophagus associated with progressive esophageal distension and dysfunction.5

Motilidade esofágica após derivação gástrica em Y-de-Roux para obesidade mórbida: achados à manometria de alta resolução

BACKGROUND: Bariatric operations may alter esophageal motility; however, there is a paucity of studies of the esophageal motility with high resolution manometry. AIM: To study patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity with high resolution motility. METHODS: Were included 18 asymptomatic patients (17 women, mean age 53 years) after undergoing to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. All patients underwent high resolution motility after a mean follow-up of three years after the operation. RESULTS: The mean pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was 18±13 (range 0-51) mmHg. Seven (39%) patients had a hypotonic sphincter and one (5%) hypertonicity. Sphincter relaxation was abnormal in one patient. Total and abdominal lower esophageal sphincter length was 4±1 (1-7) cm e 2±1 (0-3) cm, respectively. Esophageal body distal amplitude (average measurements at 3 and 7 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter) was 77±22 (40-120) mmHg. One (5%) patient had hypocontractility. Peristaltic waves were found in 95±0% (60-100). The upper esophageal sphincter basal pressure was 118±82 (33 - 334) mmHg; one (5%) patient (5%) had a hypotonic upper sphincter and eight (44%) hypertonicity. CONCLUSION: After gastric bypass in Roux-en-Y occurs significant lower esophageal sphincter hypotonia and upper esophageal sphincter hypertonia.

Postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket in patients after distal gastrectomy

Background  An unbuffered postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket (PPGAP) has been noticed in the majority of normal individuals and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The role of gastric anatomy, specifically the antrum, in the physiology of the PPGAP is not yet fully elucidated. This study aims to analyze the presence of PPGAP in patients submitted to distal gastrectomy.

High Resolution Manometry Findings in Patients With Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticula

The pathophysiology of esophageal epiphrenic diverticula is still uncertain even though a concomitant motility disorder is found in the majority of patients in different series. High resolution manometry may allow detection of motor abnormalities in a higher number of patients with esophageal epiphrenic diverticula compared with conventional manometry. This study aims to evaluate the high resolution manometry findings in patients with esophageal epiphrenic diverticula. Nine individuals (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 4 females) with esophageal epiphrenic diverticula underwent high resolution manometry. A single diverticulum was observed in eight patients and multiple diverticula in one. Visual analysis of conventional tracings and color pressure plots for identification of segmental abnormalities was performed by two researchers experienced in high resolution manometry. Upper esophageal sphincter was normal in all patients. Esophageal body was abnormal in eight patients; lower esophageal sphincter was abnormal in seven patients. Named esophageal motility disorders were found in seven patients: achalasia in six, diffuse esophageal spasm in one. In one patient, a segmental hypercontractile zone was noticed with pressure of 196 mm Hg. High resolution manometry demonstrated motor abnormalities in all patients with esophageal epiphrenic diverticula.