Esophagogastric Junction Function Research Articles

Impact of Body Composition on Esophagogastric Junction Opening Measures: Discordant FLIP and Manometric Findings Are More Common With Increased Body Mass Index.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure in patients with elevated body mass index (BMI) may affect measurements of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening. Findings from adult patients who underwent both impedance planimetry with functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were compared by BMI. Among patients with no EGJ outflow obstruction on HRM, abnormal EGJ classifications on FLIP were more common among those with elevated than normal BMI (61.1% vs 31.6%, P = 0.037). Discordant results between FLIP and HRM on EGJ opening are more common in patients with elevated BMI. Body composition may impact EGJ function and measures on current testing modalities.

Esophago-gastric junction findings on high resolution impedance manometry in children with esophageal atresia.

Using high resolution impedance manometry (HRIM), this study characterized the esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) dynamics in children with esophageal atresia (EA). Esophageal HRIM was performed in patients with EA aged less than 18 years. Objective motility patterns were analyzed, and EGJ data reported. Controls were pediatric patients without EA undergoing investigations for consideration of fundoplication surgery. Seventy-five patients (M:F = 43:32, median age 1 year 3 months [3 months-17 years 4 months]) completed 133 HRIM studies. The majority (64/75, 85.3%) had EA with distal tracheo-esophageal fistula. Compared with controls, liquid swallows were poorer in patients with EA, as evident by significant differences in distension pressure emptying and bolus flow time (BFT). The integrated relaxation pressure for thin liquid swallows was significantly different between EA types, as well as when comparing patients with EA with and without previous esophageal dilatations. The BFT for solid swallows was significantly different when compared with EA types. We have utilized HRIM in patients with EA to demonstrate abnormalities in their long-term EGJ function. These abnormalities correlate with poorer esophageal compliance and reduced esophageal peristalsis across the EGJ. Understanding the EGJ function in patients with EA will allow us to tailor long-term management to specific patients.

Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction

Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction

Esophageal manometry findings in patients with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) and 24-h pH study help to properly evaluate GERD patients. The aim of the present study was to classify patients with refractory GERD symptoms into various groups based on endoscopic and physiological testing.The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients referred for HREM and 24-h pH recording between 2019 and 2021. We included all adult patients (age > 18 years) who were referred for evaluation of refractory GERD symptoms. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings, HREM, and 24-h pH findings were noted. Patients were divided into erosive reflux disease (ERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity (RH), and functional heartburn (FH) based on test results. Demographic details and HREM parameters were compared in the four groups. Statistics used are one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-squared tests. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 144 patients were included-NERD (56, 38.9%), ERD (42, 29.2%), RH (28, 19.5%), and FH (18, 12.5%). Age (p 0.74), andsex distribution (p 0.47), and symptom profile (p 0.12) were similar. The presence of type 2/3 esophagogastric junction (EGJ) morphology was commoner in ERD and NERD (p <0.001). Moreover, the esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI) and basal inspiratory pressures were significantly lower in these two groups (p<0.05). EGJ-CI was low in 32 cases of ERD (76.2%), 41 cases with NERD (73.2%), 7 cases with RH (25%), and 3 cases with FH (16.7%), respectively (p-value < 0.00001).FH and RH account for 32% of cases with refractory GERD symptoms. Impaired EGJ function was more common in ERD and NERD patients compared to FH and RH patients.

Characterizing Esophageal Motility in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients Using High Resolution Manometry.

ObjectiveTo characterize esophageal motility and esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) function during feeding in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients.Patients and MethodsHigh resolution manometry with impedance (HRIM) was used to investigate esophageal motility and EGJ function in patients admitted to the NICU. Twenty-eight preterm born infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 12 born with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (iCDH), and 10 with esophageal atresia (EA) were included. Thirteen healthy infants were included as controls. Esophageal motility and EGJ function were analyzed using objective esophageal bolus transport parameters.ResultsNormal esophageal peristaltic wave patterns were observed in all investigated infants without EA. Nine of 10 patients with EA presented with abnormal esophageal motor wave patterns. A total of 224 nutritive swallows were analyzed (controls, n = 48; BPD, n = 96; iCDH, n = 60; EA, n = 20). Infants with BPD and iCDH had similar distal contractile strength (DCI) compared to healthy controls, while in patients with EA, DCI was significantly lower (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.001). In most infants, EGJ relaxation after swallowing was unaffected. EGJ barrier function, in terms of EGJ-contractile integral, also appeared well-developed and did not differ significantly among patient groups.ConclusionsWe conclude that esophageal motility studies using pressure-impedance analysis are feasible in young infants. Bolus transport mechanisms following nutritive swallows appeared well-established in all investigated infants with the exception of those with EA. EGJ relaxation was also functional after deglutition and EGJ function as an anti-reflux barrier appeared well-developed in all investigated NICU groups.

Timed barium swallow: Esophageal stasis varies markedly across subtypes of esophagogastric junction obstruction.

Timed barium swallow (TBS) is a recommended ancillary investigation in evaluation of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) obstruction, yet there are little data comparing esophageal stasis across subtypes. A retrospective cohort study was performed. All type III achalasia diagnosed between November 2016 and November 2020 were included, along with matched numbers of consecutive types I and II and conclusive EGJOO cases with concurrent TBS evaluation. Co-primary outcomes were TBS retention at 1 and 5min. Secondary outcomes were symptoms and manometric metrics of EGJ function and peristaltic integrity. One hundred patients were included (25 each of types I-III and conclusive EGJOO). TBS retention measured by height and width at 1 and 5min differed significantly across the four subtypes (p<0.0001 all comparisons), with esophageal stasis tending to be significantly greater for types I and II achalasia (88% and 84% with >5cm column at 5min) compared to type III and EGJOO (24% and 8% with >5cm column; p<0.0001). Eckardt symptom severity was similar across subtypes (p=0.30). Magnitude of esophageal stasis and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) were uncorrelated (R=0.21). In EGJOO, the number of swallows with intact peristalsis inversely correlated with barium column height (R=-0.49) and those with disordered peristalsis were more likely to have any residual barium at 5min compared to those without disordered peristalsis (43% vs. 0%; p=0.02). Timed barium swallow findings differed markedly with significantly less esophageal stasis in type III achalasia and EGJOO, despite similar symptom severity and no correlation between degree of emptying and IRP. Preservation of peristalsis may underlie this finding in EGJOO.

Relationship between dysphagia, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and esophagogastric junction distensibility.

It is debated whether high-resolution manometric (HRM) integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) or functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) distensibility index (DI) is the superior measure of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening. We examined the relationship between the DI and IRP and assessed correlations with dysphagia symptoms in patients with achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO). Patients with achalasia and those with barium tablet retention at the EGJ were grouped as follows: Group 1:Achalasia (IRP≥15mmHg+complete absence of normal peristalsis); Group 2: Manometric+FLIP EGJOO (IRP≥15mmHg with some intact peristalsis+DI≤2.8mm2 /mmHg); Group 3: Abnormal DI only (DI≤2.8mm2 /mmHg+IRP <15mmHg); and Group 4: Normal IRP and DI (IRP≥15mmHg+DI>2.8mm2 /mmHg). Correlation between the DI, baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure (BLESP), IRP, and dysphagia (Eckardt score) was assessed. Multivariable analysis was used to assess variables associated with dysphagia score ≥2. A total of 79 patients were included: Group 1 (n=31), Group 2 (n=33), Group 3 (n=14), and Group 4 (n=1). DI did not correlate with BLESP or IRP in the whole sample or subgroups. DI was the only variable associated with dysphagia score ≥2 (p=0.006). DI<1.25mm2 /mmHg had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 52% (p=0.0003) for dysphagia score ≥2. DI does not correlate with HRM EGJ measurements and is the metric with the strongest effect on dysphagia severity. The various biological elements that may cause restrictive EGJ function should be the subject of future studies.

The Evaluation of Esophageal Endoscopic Findings in Patients with Functional Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction

Objective Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a diagnosis of unclear significance that has become increasingly common with recent advances in high-resolution manometry (HRM). EGJOO can be divided into mechanical or functional obstruction. Functional EGJOO is considered an incomplete phenotype or an early stage of achalasia. However, little is known about the endoscopic findings in patients with functional EGJOO. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the endoscopic findings in patients with functional EGJOO and to identify patients at high risk for achalasia. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 259 patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) along with HRM for upper gastrointestinal symptoms without any obstructive lesions or stricture between July 2013 and September 2019 in our institute. Among them, 31 patients were diagnosed with EGJOO. After excluding patients who had undergone previous endoscopic treatment, those who were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and those who had undergone EGD at other institutes, 23 patients were finally included with a diagnosis of functional EGJOO. The endoscopic findings were evaluated by three endoscopists. Results Five patients (21.7%) had an esophageal rosette sign (ERS). No patients had grade IV gastroesophageal flap valve, esophageal mucosal breaks, or abnormal retention of liquid or food in the esophagus. Manometric findings revealed that the median distal contractile integral value was significantly higher in patients with an ERS (n=5) than in those without it (n=18). Conclusion There were some patients with functional EGJOO who had an ERS, which is the characteristic endoscopic finding in achalasia.

Evaluation of the Esophagogastric Junction on High Resolution Manometry.

The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is a complex barrier between the thoracic and abdominal luminal gut compartments, comprised primarily of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm. Although closed at rest, the EGJ relaxes to allow antegrade bolus transit and retrograde venting of air. Abnormal relaxation is the hallmark of achalasia spectrum disorders, while increased frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and/or EGJ disruption are seen in gastroesophageal reflux disease. High resolution manometry (HRM) is the modern day gold standard for assessment of EGJ morphology and function, with better performance characteristics compared with endoscopy and barium esophagography. Conventional LES metrics defining EGJ function include resting LES pressure as well as postswallow residual pressures. Newer HRM-based metrics include EGJ contractile integral, which measures static barrier function at rest, and EGJ morphology, which characterizes the relationship between LES and crural diaphragm. Provocative maneuvers assess dynamic EGJ function during physiological or pharmacologic stress. The most useful of these maneuvers, the rapid drink challenge, assesses for latent obstruction, while multiple rapid swallows evaluate adequacy of deglutitive inhibition. Amyl nitrate and cholecystokinin administration can segregate motor from structural obstruction. Newer provocative tests (straight leg raise maneuver, abdominal compression) and novel diagnostic tools (functional lumen imaging probe) complement HRM evaluation of the EGJ. Although current HRM metrics and maneuvers show promise in identifying clinically relevant EGJ abnormalities, future investigations evaluating management outcomes will improve segregation of normal from abnormal EGJ morphology and function.

Characterization of esophageal motility and esophagogastric junction in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

To characterize esophageal motility and function of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). High-resolution manometry with impedance was used to investigate esophageal motility and EGJ function in 28 tube-fed preterm infants with BPD. Patients with BPD were studied at term age during oral feeding. Thirteen healthy term-aged infants were included as controls. Esophageal analysis derived objective measures to evaluate esophageal contractile vigor, bolus distension pressure, EGJ relaxation, and EGJ barrier function (in rest and during respiration). In addition, we investigated the effect of BPD severity on these measures. A total of 140 nutritive swallows were analyzed (BPD, n=92; controls, n=48). Normal esophageal peristaltic wave patterns were observed in all infants. BPD patients had higher distal contractile esophageal strength compared with controls (Kruskal-Wallis (KW) P=.048), and their deglutitive EGJ relaxation was comparable to controls. Severe BPD patients showed higher bolus distension pressures, higher EGJ resting pressures, and increased EGJ contractile integrals compared with mild BPD patients (Mann-Whitney U P=.009, KW P=.012 and KW P=.028, respectively). Preterm infants with BPD consistently present with normal peristaltic esophageal patterns following nutritive liquid swallows. The EGJ barrier tone and relaxation pressure appeared normal. In general, infants with BPD do not have altered esophageal motor function. There is however evidence for increased flow resistance at the EGJ in severe BPD patients possibly related to an increased contractility of the diaphragm.

Maturation of Esophageal Motility and Esophagogastric Junction in Preterm Infants

Background: Preterm infants commonly present with oral feeding problems. The role of maturation of esophageal bolus transport mechanisms herein remains unclear. Objectives: To characterize esophageal motility and function of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) during deglutitive swallowing in healthy preterm infants and to describe maturational changes. Methods: Four consecutive high-resolution manometry studies with impedance studies were performed weekly to investigate esophageal motility and EGJ function. Esophageal pressure topography and pressure-impedance metrics were derived. Mixed models with repeated measures were used for statistical analysis. Results: We analyzed 137 nutritive swallows from 36 motility studies in 10 preterm infants. The mean gestational age was 30.17 ± 0.94 weeks; the mean postmenstrual age at time point 1 and 4 was 34.42 ± 0.86 and 37.45 ± 1.16 weeks, respectively. Esophageal peristaltic wave patterns in response to nutritive swallows were observed in all patients. At later time points, esophageal body peristalsis became more rapid, evidenced by a faster distal contractile velocity and shorter distal latency (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In addition, 4-s integrated relaxation pressures increased and distal contractile integral decreased at later time points (p = 0.003 and p = 0.021, respectively). Bolus clearance also improved at later age (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Preterm infants demonstrate peristaltic esophageal motility following nutritive swallows. However, alterations in esophageal bolus transport in relation to peristalsis are demonstrated. Peristaltic progression becomes more rapid, while deglutitive relaxation pressures increase with increasing age. These maturational changes may suggest further development of the enteric nervous system after birth in former preterm neonates.

Management of Functional Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction: A Systematic Review.

Awareness of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (fEGJOO) has increased, but because there is no consensus on its management, we performed a systematic review of the literature to explore treatment strategies and outcomes. EGJOO is a heterogenous disorder defined by high-resolution manometry parameters of elevated integrated relaxation pressure with preserved esophageal peristalsis. The etiology may be mechanical obstruction or idiopathic, the latter being fEGJOO. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library electronic databases were searched through June 2018 for all studies of adult patients describing a treatment strategy for fEGJOO or incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The search strategy yielded 1792 studies and 8 (0.4%) met inclusion criteria. All but one included studies were retrospective (n=184 patients). There were 5 interventions described, with botulinum toxin (Botox) injection (n=69) and expectant management (n=82) the most frequently reported, with success rates of 58% and 54%, respectively. There was substantial heterogeneity among patients and treatments were not directly compared, though reported symptom resolution was similar among all strategies with a mean follow-up time of 15 months. There are a variety of management strategies available for fEGJOO and some patients may not require any intervention. However, among 4 potential approaches aimed at disrupting lower esophageal sphincter hypertonicity, the largest existing evidence base supports either a therapeutic challenge of Botox injection or watchful waiting. Ultimately, these data indicate the need for further study with controlled trials to identify a definitive approach.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication improves disease-specific quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional gastroesophageal outflow obstruction.

The optimal management of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EJOO) remains controversial particularly in the setting of concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There remains a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in this patient population. We hypothesized that GERD patients with manometric findings of EJOO on preoperative manometry do not have increased rates of postoperative dysphagia compared to those with normal or hypotensive LES pressures. This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LNF for GERD compared outcomes in patients with and without functional EJOO (fEJOO). The outcomes of interest included disease-specific quality of life improvement, dysphagia scores, and the need for endoscopic dilation following fundoplication. Two hundred and eleven patients underwent LNF for GERD and 15 (7.1%) were classified as having fEJOO. Baseline GERD-HRQL [30.0 (21.5-37) vs. 31 (21-37), p = 0.57] were similar between fEJOO and control patients, respectively. There was no difference in baseline dysphagia scores [3.5 (2-5) vs. 2.0 (1-4), p = 0.64] between the two groups. Postoperative GERD-HRQL [5.0 (2-13) vs. 4.0 (1-8), p = 0.59] scores did not differ between fEJOO and control patients at 6-week follow-up. One year after surgery, GERD-HRQL [8.0 (3-9) vs. 4.5 (2-13), p = 0.97] did not differ between groups. Dysphagia rates were similar at 6-week (p = 0.78) and 1-year follow-ups (p = 0.96). The need for dilation at 1year following fundoplication was similar in both cohorts (13%, p = 0.96). GERD patients with functional EJOO achieved similar improvements in disease-specific quality of life without increased incidence of dysphagia postoperatively.

Characterization of Esophageal Motility in Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Using High‐resolution Manometry

The aim of the study was to characterize esophageal motility and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) function in infants who underwent repair of an isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (iCDH). High-resolution manometry with impedance was used to investigate esophageal motility and EGJ function after diaphragmatic repair in 12 infants with iCDH (11 left-sided; 9 patch repair). They had esophageal motility studies during neonatal admission (n = 12), at 6 months (n = 10) and at 12 months of life (n = 7). Swallows were analyzed using conventional esophageal pressure topography and pressure flow analysis and were compared with 11 healthy preterm born infants at near-term age. Esophageal peristaltic motor patterns in patients with iCDH were comparable to controls. EGJ end-expiratory pressure was higher in patients with patch repair compared with controls (P = 0.050) and those without patch (P = 0.009). The difference between inspiratory and expiratory pressures at the EGJ was lower in patients with iCDH with patch (P = 0.045) compared to patients without. Patients with iCDH with patch showed increased Pressure Flow Index, resistance of bolus flow at the EGJ, compared with controls (P = 0.043). Normal esophageal wave patterns are present in the investigated patients with iCDH. EGJ end-expiratory pressure seems lower in patients with iCDH without patch suggesting a decreased EGJ barrier function hence increased vulnerability to gastroesophageal reflux. Patch repair appears to increase end-expiratory pressure at the EGJ above that of controls suggesting that patch surgery tightens the EGJ, thereby increasing flow resistance. This is in line with the increased Pressure Flow Index. In infants with a patch, the inspiration-expiration pressure difference is lower, reflecting diminished activity of the crural diaphragm.

Esophagogastric junction function and gastric pressure profile after minigastric bypass compared with Billroth II

BackgroundMinigastric bypass (MGB) is being performed widely with effective weight loss and improvement in co-morbidities. Because of similarity to Billroth II (BII), there are concerns about bile reflux. ObjectivesTo assess the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) function, esophageal peristalsis, and reflux exposure after MGB and BII. SettingUniversity Hospital, Italy; Public Hospital, Italy. MethodsObese patients underwent symptom questioning, endoscopy, high-resolution impedance manometry, and impedance-pH monitoring, before and 1 year after MGB. Esophageal motor function, EGJ, EGJ–contractile integral, intragastric pressure (IGP), and gastroesophageal pressure gradient were determined. Acid exposure time, number of refluxes, and symptom-association probability were assessed. A group of patients who underwent BII were studied with the same protocol and served as controls. ResultsTwenty-two MGB and 20 BII patients were studied. After surgery, none of the patients reported de novo heartburn or regurgitation. At endoscopic follow-up, esophagitis and bile findings were absent in all. High-resolution impedance manometry features did not vary significantly after MGB, whereas IGP and gastroesophageal pressure gradient statistically diminished (P < .01). BII patients had significantly lower values in IGP, sphincter pressure, and EGJ–contractile integral. In MGB patients, a marked decrease in number of refluxes (from median 41 to 7, P < .01) was observed, whereas BII patients had statistically significant higher acid exposure and number of refluxes (57, P < .001). ConclusionsIn contrast to BII, MGB does not increase any kind of reflux. Also, the differences in IGP and gastroesophageal pressure gradient suggest that bile reflux occurs more readily after BII than after MGB, and that these 2 operations share more differences than similarities.

New Developments in Esophageal Motility Testing

The purpose of this review is to present the latest developments in esophageal motility testing and summarize the current paradigm of esophageal motility disorders. While high-resolution esophageal pressure topography interpreted according to the Chicago Classification represents the gold standard to evaluate esophageal motility, recent studies highlight the additional value of novel manometric applications. Novel applications include provocative measures to assess for obstructive physiology at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), esophageal peristaltic reserve, and rumination and supragastric belching disorders. Furthermore, high-resolution impedance manometry provides assessment of bolus flow in relation to pressure changes. Distinct from manometry, the endolumenal functional lumen imaging probe examines esophageal motor response to distension to provide complementary and alternative data with regard to EGJ function and esophageal body motor function. Barium esophagram with timed swallow and barium tablet continues to be an important esophageal motility test. Furthermore, current use of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring extends beyond reflux monitoring to measure reflux clearance and esophageal epithelial integrity. The diagnostic armamentarium for esophageal motility disorders has expanded tremendously to include a multitude of sophisticated tools. Advancements in diagnostic technology and understanding of esophageal physiology have shifted the field to more precisely characterize esophageal motility and guide phenotype-driven management.

PS01.009: COMPREHENSIVE CLASSIFICATION FOR ANTIREFLUX FUNCTION OF THE ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION BASED ON HIGH-RESOLUTION MANOMETRY

Abstract Background The anatomical configuration of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and the thoracoabdominal pressure gradient (TAPG) affect gastric content backflow into the esophagus. A comprehensive antireflux function assessment is needed to identify underlying derangements in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Herein we propose an objective scoring system for grading EGJ function. Methods We analyzed patients who underwent 24-hour pH study and high-resolution manometry in 2017 at our institution. We assessed three factors: EGJ morphology, lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral, and TAPG. Each factor was scored on a scale of 0–2, and a cumulative score was calculated (Table 1). Patients were divided into 3 groups based on cumulative score: 0, competent EGJ function (Grade I); 1–3, moderate incompetency (Grade II); 4–6, poor competency (Grade III). Results In total, 140 patients were studied. The mean age was 58.6 years, 75 patients (53.6%) were men, and the mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2. Fifty-one patients (36.4%) had an abnormal DeMeester score (ie, &gt; 14.72). A significant, progressive increase was seen in number of reflux episodes (I-25.7, II-36.4, III-50.5, rs = 0.207, P = 0.015), total acid exposure time (I-1.0%, II-2.1%, III-5.0%, rs = 0.312, P &lt; 0.001) and prevalence of abnormal pH score (I-13.0%, II-32.0%, III-57.1%, rs = 0.314, P &lt; 0.001) from Grade I to III. Conclusion The proposed grading of the EGJ based on a cumulative score of individual parameters has a good correlation with GER. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

PS01.008: LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE (LESP) AS A MEASURE OF ANTI-REFLUX BARRIER IN PATIENTS WITH HIATUS HERNIA

Abstract Background Hiatus Hernia (HH), with its anatomical/physiological derangement of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function is a risk factor for pathological gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). However, a subset of patients with HH do not have reflux. The aim of this study is to explore Lower Esophageal sphincter parameters and GER across the EGJ in patients with manometeric type C hiatal hernia (LES-Crural Diaphragm separation &gt; 1cm, and Pressure Inversion Point below LES). Methods An IRB approved, prospectively maintained esophageal testing registry was queried to identify patients who underwent High Resolution Manometry and 24h pH study (within 1 week) between 11/01/2016 and 11/01/2017. HRM characteristics of the EGJ (LES-CD separation, overall length, LESP, LESPI), 24 hour pH score, and pH &lt; 4 holding time were extracted. Spearman's Rho correlation was calculated for all parameters and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied for parameters with significant correlation. Results A total of 1139 patients underwent HRM during the study period, of these 416 also had 24 hour pH study. 76 Patients met criteria for EGJ morphology Type C. After excluding patients with major disorders of peristalsis (16) the remaining 60 patients form the cohort of this study. Hiatal hernia size, overall length of LES, and LESPI did not correlate with 24 hour pH score or pH &lt; 4 holding time. LESP had a significant negative correlation both with 24 hour pH score (R: -0.322; P = 0.011), and total acid holding time (R: -0.348; P = 0.006). A LESP cut-off value of 24.4 mmHg had a sensitivity of 53.8% and a Specificity of 91.2% for predicting pathological reflux. Conclusion A higher LESP (&gt; 24.4 mmHg) appears to provide an effective barrier to pathological GER even when normal EGJ function is compromised by a hiatal hernia. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Studies of abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter during esophageal emptying based on a fully coupled bolus-esophageal-gastric model.

The aim of this work was to develop a fully coupled bolus-esophageal-gastric model based on the immersed boundary-finite element method to study the process of esophageal emptying across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). The model included an esophageal segment, an ellipsoid-shaped stomach, a bolus, and a simple model of the passive and active sphincteric functions of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). We conducted three sets of case studies: (1) the effect of a non-relaxing LES; (2) the influence of the tissue anisotropy in the form of asymmetrical right- and left-sided compliance of the LES segment; and (3) the influence of LES and gastric wall stiffness on bulge formation of the distal esophageal wall. We found that a non-relaxing LES caused sustained high wall stress along the LES segment and obstruction of bolus emptying. From the simulations of tissue anisotropy, we found that the weaker side (i.e., more compliant) of the LES segment sustained greater deformation, greater wall shear stress, and a greater high-pressure load during bolus transit. In the third set of studies, we found that a right-sided bulge in the esophageal wall tends to develop during esophageal emptying when LES stiffness was decreased or gastric wall stiffness was increased. Hence, the bulge may be partly due to the asymmetric configuration of the gastric wall with respect to the esophageal tube. Together, the observations from these simulations provide insight into the genesis of epiphrenic diverticula, a complication observed with esophageal motility disorders. Future work, with additional layers of complexity to the model, will delve into the mechanics of gastroesophageal reflux and the effects of hiatus hernia on EGJ function.

A concise review of opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction: is this a new clinical entity?

Opioids have become the most widely prescribed analgesics in Western countries. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction is a widely known adverse effect, with constipation the most common manifestation. Most of the opioid-related effects occur in the stomach, small intestine, and colon and have been widely studied. However, the effects related to esophageal motility are less known. Recently published retrospective studies have suggested that long-term use of opioids can cause esophageal motility dysfunction, reflecting symptoms similar to motility disorders, such as achalasia and functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction. The most common manometric findings, as reported in the literature, for patients with opioid-induced dysphagia undergoing long-term therapy with these drugs are impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, high amplitude/velocity, and simultaneous esophageal waves, higher integrated relaxation pressure, lower distal latency, and the esophageal contractility can be normal, hypercontractile, or premature. Based on these studies, a new clinical entity known as opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction has been postulated. For these patients, the diagnostic method of choice is high-resolution manometry, although other causes should be ruled out through endoscopy or Computed Tomography (CT). The best therapeutic option for these patients is withdrawal of the opioid; however, this is not always possible, and other options need to be investigated, such as pneumatic dilation and botulinum toxin injection, considering the risks versus the benefits.