Esophageal motor function in Familial Mediterranean Fever: A prospective evaluation of motility in 31 patients

Abstract

Background The aims of this study were to evaluate esophageal motor function in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) who had upper gastrointestinal symptoms and to compare esophageal motor function between FMF patients who developed amyloidosis and patients without amyloidosis. Methods 31 FMF patients with dyspeptic symptoms and 31 healthy age-matched individuals were included in the study. Endoscopic examination and esophageal motility testing were performed. Results Esophageal motor abnormalities were detected in 25.8% (8/31) of these patients [incomplete Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation: n = 4, esophageal hypomotility: n = 2, and hypotensive LES: n = 2]. Median LES relaxation (%) (min–max) was significantly lower in patients with FMF compared to control group 94% (54–100) vs. 98% (80–100), p = 0.019 respectively). However, mean LES pressure (mmHg) (19.5 ± 8.9 vs. 19.7 ± 5.6, p = 0.813), duration of LES relaxation (s) (7.9 ± 1.7 vs. 8.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.068), contraction amplitude of esophageal body (mmHg) (60.4 ± 23.3 vs. 58.2 ± 19.7, p = 0.691) and median (min–max) peak velocity (s) [3.1(− 1.43–50.3) vs. 3.1 (0.9–8.7), p = 0.435] were similar in patients with FMF compared to control group. There were no significant differences with regard to LES pressure, LES relaxation, LES relaxation duration, contraction amplitude (mmHg) and peak velocity (sc) among patients with FMF and amyloidosis, amyloidosis negative FMF patients and healthy controls. Conclusions Abnormal esophageal manometric findings can be observed at least in a subgroup of patients with FMF regardless of amyloid status. Investigation of esophageal motor function in patients with FMF who exhibit unexplained upper gastrointestinal symptoms between attacks may be a helpful tool in order to delineate esophageal motor dysfunction.