Abstract
Abstract Background Pulmonary micro-aspiration (PMA) is a feared complication of severe and sometimes silent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). A novel scintigraphic test that shows refluxate contamination of the pharynx, upper and lower airways has recently been developed. This test and multiple observations allowed the development of a hypothesis that prolongation in solid gastric emptying (SGE) may be a more critical than delays in liquid gastric emptying (LGE) in micro-aspiration into the airways. Methods Standard LGE and SGE studies together with the novel microaspiration test were evaluated in paired studies in patients with medially resistant symptoms GORD to measure rates of micro-aspiration after each meal. Either water labelled with 99m Technetium Phytate for the LGE or a labelled egg sandwich for the solid meal was utilised. Major symptoms were noted and the cough and reflux severity index (CSI & RSI) obtained in all patients. Results A total of 131 patients were included in this study (59M/72F). The age range was 21 to 83 years with a mean of 52 years. Patients were in the overweight range for body mass index (BMI), with a mean of 26.8. Major symptoms were of bloating, nausea, belching and dyspepsia as well as cough, throat clearing and globus. Less than 20% complained of heartburn. Results. SGE was abnormal in 92% (Mean 766 min) and LGE was abnormal in 53% (Mean 82 min). PMA was shown in 35% after the SGE and in 71% after the LGE. PMA positive patients were older. SGE and PMA were significantly correlated (p<0.00) but not LGE. The only significant symptom in the PMA group was bloating. RSI was abnormal in 64% and CSI in 46%. Conclusion The majority of patients with PMA do not complain of heartburn. Bloating in patients with severe GORD should raise the possibility of gastroparesis and PMA. Prolonged SGE may be critical in the physiology of atypical reflux and present another treatment goal with addition of pyloroplasty to anti-reflux procedure of choice.
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