Age Affects Esophageal Secondary Peristalsis More Than Primary as Assessed by FLIP Panometry and High-resolution Manometry

Abstract

Age-related changes in esophageal function involve increased rates of dysmotility with advancing age (sometimes described as presbyesophagus).1-4 Specifically, advanced age has been associated with increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and decreased peristaltic vigor.1-4 However, the mechanisms underlying these changes, including the relative relationship of primary peristalsis and secondary peristalsis over the lifespan, remain incompletely understood. Current approaches assess primary peristalsis using high-resolution manometry (HRM), with esophageal motility disorders defined using the Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0), and secondary peristalsis using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry.5,6 Although HRM and FLIP panometry motility diagnoses are often analogous, they can sometimes differ. For example, abnormal secondary peristalsis can occur when primary peristalsis is normal, which has been associated with reflux and non-obstructive dysphagia.7,8 This study aimed to examine the effect of age on primary peristalsis and secondary peristalsis.