Normal Manometry Research Articles

Normative high resolution esophageal manometry values in asymptomatic patients with obesity.

Surgical bariatric interventions, while highly effective, can be associated with post-operative esophageal symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal dysmotility. Whether pre-operative physiology impacts this risk is unknown, in part because expected values on esophageal manometry in patients with obesity are not well understood. This study seeks to establish normative values on esophageal high resolution manometry (HRM) and the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility in the asymptomatic patient with obesity. This retrospective study included adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg m-2 without esophageal symptoms undergoing preoperative bariatric surgical evaluation, including HRM, at a single tertiary care center between February, 2019 and February, 2020. Of 104 asymptomatic patients with obesity, HRM identified normal esophageal motility in 94 (90.4%) with the remaining 10 having ineffective esophageal motility (3.8%), manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (3.8%), distal esophageal spasm (1.0%), and hypercontractile esophagus (1.0%). Mean of median lower esophageal sphincter integrated relaxation pressure (LES IRP) was 10.6 mmHg supine (95th percentile 21.5 mmHg) and 8.5 mmHg upright (95th percentile 21.3 mmHg). 86% of patients had intragastric pressure above 8 mmHg. Mean of mean distal contractile integral (DCI) was 2261.6 mmHg cm s-1 (95th percentile 5889.5 mmHg cm s-1). The vast majority of asymptomatic patients with obesity had normal manometry. LES IRP and DCI were higher than that observed in non-obese cohorts. Additionally, BMI correlated to increased intragastric pressure. These data suggest that normative values in patients with obesity should be adjusted to prevent overdiagnosis of EGJOO or hypercontractile esophagus.

Exploring Diagnostic Priorities: The Role of Colonic Manometry in Evaluating Pediatric Patients with Intractable Idiopathic Constipation Prior to Sacral Nerve Stimulation.

Despite the limited understanding of its precise mechanism of action, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has proven to be helpful for pediatric patients with constipation, particularly those with fecal incontinence. It is unclear whether the outcome of SNS is impacted by normal or abnormal colonic motility. Our study aimed to determine whether colonic manometry results had an impact on the outcome of SNS as a treatment in pediatric patients with refractory idiopathic constipation. Electronic medical records of patients with idiopathic constipation who underwent colonic manometry and SNS placement at our center over 6 years were reviewed. A comparison of post-SNS outcomes was performed between patients with normal and abnormal colonic manometry studies. Twenty patients [12 (60%) females, median age of 10.2 years] met inclusion criteria, with fecal incontinence in 12 (60%) and abnormal colonic manometry in 6 (30%). Significantly more patients had an improvement in fecal incontinence following SNS placement (p = 0.045). There were no significant differences in post-SNS constipation outcome measures between patients with normal versus abnormal colonic manometry. Colonic manometry did not help with patient selection for those being considered for SNS therapy. Our findings do not support performing colonic manometry as a screening prior to SNS placement.

Interpretation of Impedance Data on High-resolution Impedance Manometry Studies-A Worldwide Survey.

Esophageal manometry is the gold standard for esophageal motility evaluation. High-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance (HRIM) allows concurrent assessment of bolus transit and manometry. Inconsistencies between concomitant impedance and manometry data pose a clinical dilemma and has not yet been addressed. We aim to assess interpretation trends of HRIM data among gastroenterologists worldwide. A cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey was conducted among gastroenterologists worldwide. Statistical analysis was performed to compare responses between providers. We received responses from 107 gastroenterologists (26 countries). Most were adult providers (69, 64.5%), and most (77, 72.0%) had > 5 years of experience. Impedance was found to be helpful by 83 (77.6%) participants, but over 30% reported inconsistencies between impedance and manometry data. With incomplete bolus clearance and normal manometry 41 (38.7%) recommended observation, 41 (38.7%) recommended 24-hours pH-impedance, and 16 (15.1%) recommended prokinetics. With abnormal manometry and complete bolus clearance, 60 (57.1%) recommended observation while 18 (17.1%) recommended 24-hours pH impedance and 15 (14.3%) recommended prokinetics. A significant difference was found between providers from different continents in treating cases with discrepancy between impedance and manometry findings (P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in responses between adult versus pediatric providers and between providers with different years of experience. There is no consensus on interpreting HRIM data. Providers' approaches to studies with inconsistencies between manometry and impedance data vary. There is an unmet need for guidelines on interpreting impedance data in HRIM studies.

Dysphagia associated with esophageal wall thickening in patients with nonspecific high-resolution manometry findings: Understanding motility beyond the Chicago classification version 4.0.

Previous studies have demonstrated that 50% of patients with normal high-resolution manometry (HRM) findings or ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) may have abnormal functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) results. However, the specific HRM findings associated with abnormal FLIP results are unknown. Herein, we investigated the relationship between nonspecific manometry findings and abnormal FLIP results. We retrospectively analyzed 684 patients who underwent HRM at a tertiary care center in Seoul, Korea, based on the Chicago Classification version 4.0 protocol. Among the 684 patients, 398 had normal HRM findings or IEM. Of these 398 patients, eight showed esophageal wall thickening on endoscopic ultrasonography or computed tomography; however, no abnormalities were seen during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Among these eight patients, seven showed repetitive simultaneous contractions (RSCs) in at least one of the two positions: 61% (±29%) in 10 swallows in the supine position and 51% (±30%) in five swallows in the upright position. Four patients who underwent FLIP had a significantly decreased esophagogastric junction distensibility index (1.0 ± 0.5 at 60 mL). Two of these patients underwent per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) due to a lack of response to medication. Esophageal muscle biopsy revealed hypertrophic muscle with marginal eosinophil infiltration. A subset of patients (2%) with normal HRM findings or IEM and RSCs experienced dysphagia associated with poor distensibility of the thickened esophageal wall. FLIP assessment or combined HRM and impedance protocols may help better define these patients who may respond well to POEM.

Prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with constipation evaluated by high-resolution anorectal manometry.

Dyssynergic defecation, defined as the incoordination of rectoanal and abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor which are necessary for the appropriate relaxation, is characterized by paradoxical anal contraction, inadequate anal relaxation, or abnormal rectal propulsion; it is considered a cause of refractory primary constipation. The prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in the pediatric age is still little known. The studies that have evaluated the defecation dynamics through anorectal manometry suggest that 36.8% to 80.9% of children with functional constipation (FC) present dyssynergic defecation. High-resolution Anorectal Manometry (HRAM) is a tool for the evaluation of the sensitivity and defecation dynamics; it allows to establish the diagnosis of dyssynergia and its classification. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with FC and characterize the most common type of dyssynergia evaluated through a HRAM. In this study, 63 files of pediatric patients with FC diagnoses were included. Of these, 41.3% (n=26) were female and 58.7% (n=37) were male. The median age in the group of dyssynergia was 8 years, while for the FC group it was 9 years; the distribution by sex was similar. Of the included patients, 41.3% (n=26) showed dyssynergic defecation, and 58.7% (n=37) showed normal anorectal manometry. Regarding the type, 84.6% (n=22) were of type I, 7.7% (n=2) was the percentage for both types III and IV, and no patients were reported for type II.

S489 Defining a Clinical Phenotype: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Patients With Distal Esophageal Spasm (DES) and Normal High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry

S489 Defining a Clinical Phenotype: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Patients With Distal Esophageal Spasm (DES) and Normal High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry

S592 Discrepancy in Esophageal Dysphagia Severity in Patients With Normal High-Resolution Manometry at a Safety Net vs Tertiary Hospital

S592 Discrepancy in Esophageal Dysphagia Severity in Patients With Normal High-Resolution Manometry at a Safety Net vs Tertiary Hospital

Association between esophageal motor disorders and pulmonary involvement in patients affected by systemic sclerosis: a retrospective study.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease of the connective tissue that can affect multiple organs. The esophagus is the most affected gastrointestinal tract, while interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a main feature associated with SSc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association and prognostic implication between motor esophageal disorders and pulmonary involvement in SSc patients. We retrospectively assessed patients with SSc who underwent both the HRM with the new Chicago Classification 4.0 and pulmonary evaluation comprehensive of function tests and high-resolution computer tomography (HrCT) with the use of Warrick score. A total score ≥ 7 was considered predictive of ILD, while a score ≥ 10 in a HrCT acquired prospectively from baseline evaluation was considered to establish significant interstitial involvement. Forty-two patients were included. We found a score ≥ 7 in 11 patients with aperistalsis, in 6 subjects with IEM and in 6 patients with a normal manometry. Otherwise, a score < 7 was observed in 3 patients with aperistalsis, and in 2 and 14 patients with IEM and with a normal contractility, respectively. Higher scores were observed in subjects with absent contractility or ineffective esophageal motility than subjects with normal motility, indeed DCI and HrCT score were inversely correlated in linear and logarithmic regression analysis. Prospectively, lower baseline LESP and greater HrCT scores at follow-up evaluation were significantly correlated. This study shows an association between motor esophageal disorder and pulmonary involvement in SSc patients: more severe is the esophageal involvement, more critical is the pulmonary disease.

Dysphagia Worsens With Increasing Ineffective Swallows Among Patients With Ineffective Esophageal Motility.

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is the most common motility disorder identified on esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM), but patients with this finding may be asymptomatic. Therefore, we aimed to identify specific HRM findings predictive of symptoms in IEM. Adult patients (≥18y) who underwent HRM between March 2016 and July 2019 were retrospectively evaluated and reclassified according to Chicago Classification 4.0 (CC4.0). Demographic information, HRM parameters, and gastroesophageal reflux disease Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire responses were captured among those with normal manometry or IEM. We evaluated the association between heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia, with respect to HRM findings including ineffective swallows. Of 379 patients, 243 (64.1%) had a normal manometry, 136 (35.9%) were on IEM spectrum, and 73 (19.3%) had conclusive IEM by CC4.0. Mean dysphagia scores were significantly higher in those with conclusive IEM compared with those with normal HRM (2.00 vs. 1.36, P=0.002), as was the percentage of individuals reporting dysphagia affecting daily activities (21.9% vs. 11.4%, P=0.02). Heartburn and regurgitation symptoms did not differ between groups. In a multivariable model of IEM patients, the percentage of ineffective swallows independently predicted a higher dysphagia burden (β regression coefficient: 0.032, P=0.04). Applying the CC4.0 definition for conclusive IEM identifies a group of patients with worse dysphagia symptoms. Within this group, the percentage of ineffective swallows was an independent predictor of dysphagia severity. These findings may help practitioners and patients contextualize the heterogeneous diagnosis of IEM.

Three-dimensional laparoscopic approach to distal oesophageal diverticula: Single-centre experience.

Epiphrenic oesophageal diverticula are rare and often asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, minimally invasive diverticulectomy is considered the gold standard of treatment. While there is an agreement on the pre-operative assessment, no consensus is achieved when it comes to surgical technique. In the present study, we report our experience and propose a standardised approach to manage this rare oesophageal disorder. We prospectively analysed data of all consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic distal oesophageal diverticulum resection during 2015-2020 at Upper gastrointestinal surgical department, St Thomas' Hospital, regarding pre-operative assessment, surgical technique, peri-and post-operative outcomes. Six patients were submitted to 3D laparoscopic diverticulectomy, five of which with additional anterior myotomy and fundoplication and one with additional hiatal hernia repair only. Three patients followed a specific diet in preparation for surgery. Median pre-operative Eckardt symptom score was five. Two patients had normal manometry. Median operative time was 180 min, median estimated blood loss was <100 ml, neither intraoperative complications nor conversions to open approach occurred. All patients reported a complete resolution of symptoms directly after surgery. Median follow-up was 66 months. Five patients have none or minimal residual symptoms. One had recurrence requiring a revision operation for intermittent dysphagia. 3D laparoscopic diverticulectomy offers a reasonable chance of treatment in patients with epiphrenic diverticula. Optimal selection of patients, optimisation for surgery, gaining the surgical experience of carrying out these techniques and impact on short- and long-term results are issues that still remain under debate.

Different patterns of esophageal motility disorders among patients with dysphagia and normal endoscopy: A 2-center experience.

Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) are the main etiology of nonobstructive dysphagia (NOD), but they are underestimated in Egypt. High-resolution manometry (HRM) with Chicago Classification version 3.0 (CC v3.0) is the current gold standard diagnostic modality to assess EMD in patients with NOD. In this HRM-based study, we aimed to classify EMD among Egyptian patients and explore the relationship between the severity of symptoms and the various groups of EMD. From January 2020 to January 2021, patients with dysphagia were subjected to diagnostic workup, which included symptom questionnaire for Eckardt score, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, barium esophagogram, and HRM. All patients were categorized based on the HRM results using CC version 3.0 after exclusion of those with obstructive esophageal lesions. Of 252 patients with dysphagia, 55 patients with NOD were analyzed according to CC version 3.0. Achalasia was diagnosed in 31 patients (56.4%) (type I: 18 [58.06%]; type II: 9 [29.03%], and type III: 4 [12.9%]), 3 patients (5.5%) with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, 2 patients (3.6%) with absent contractility, 4 patients (7.3%) with distal esophageal spasm, 7 patients (12.7%) with ineffective esophageal motility, and 8 patients (14.5%) with normal manometry. Patients with achalasia experienced significantly high regurgitation (96.8% vs 70.8%; P = .016) compared with those without achalasia. Achalasia was the most common EMD in Egyptian patients with NOD. Eckardt score was higher in patients with outflow obstruction and major motor disorder, but it could not differentiate different categories of CC of EMD. HRM is effective in characterization of EMD.

Globus Sensation And Retching In A 21-year-old Male Football Player.

HISTORY: 21 year old male football player presents with a tightness in his throat and dry heaving during football activity. He had similar symptoms 4 years ago that resurfaced 5 months ago without inciting event. Symptoms occur with strenuous activity on the field and cause a sensation of throat tightness that makes him want to vomit. He immediately loses focus on the game when symptoms occur, negatively affecting his performance. Denies stridor, dysphagia, dysphonia, unsteady gait, history of psychological disorder or treatment. PHYSICAL EXAM: GEN: NAD, well-appearing. HEENT: Oropharynx clear, normal tongue protrusion and palate elevation. Neck: No lymphadenopathy, no thyromegaly. CV: RRR, no murmur. Lungs: CTAB.GI: Normal bowel sounds, nontender. NEURO: No focal deficits, CN II-XII grossly intact. PSYCH: Appropriate mood and affect. Appropriate insight and judgment. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. GERD 2. Vocal cord dysfunction 3. Esophageal spasm 4. Exercise-induced bronchospasm 5. Anxiety disorder TEST AND RESULTS: Barium swallow study: Small transient sliding hiatal hernia. Laryngoscopy with stroboscopy: Mild edema of bilateral vocal cords. Normal vocal fold mobility and morphology bilaterally. Exercise bike test with fiberoptic laryngoscopy: No paradoxical motion of vocal cords at rest or with bike testing. No evidence of vocal cord dysfunction. Esophageal manometry: Normal manometry but ineffective esophageal motility with viscous/solid consistencies indicating minor disorder of esophageal motility not classifiable. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Mild esophageal spasm complicated by unspecified anxiety disorder. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: He was started on empiric PPI therapy, which was discontinued after one week given no response. He was referred to a sports psychologist and engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and mindfulness training to assist with reduction of his physiological symptoms. He practiced swallowing exposures during physical exertion over 3 weeks. Following exposure therapy, he reported being able to distract himself and reduce his concern about the sensation. He had significant improvement in his symptoms and finished the season at a highly competitive level without any recurrence of episodes.

Changes in the esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction manometric feature based on the Chicago Classification updates.

BACKGROUNDThe critical diagnostic criteria for esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) were published in the latest Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0). In addition to the previous criterion [elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) in supine position], manometric diagnosis of EGJOO requires meeting the criteria of elevated median-IRP during upright wet swallows and elevated intrabolus pressure. However, with the diagnostic criteria modification, the change in manometric features of EGJOO remained unclear.AIMTo evaluate the esophageal motility characteristics of patients with EGJOO and select valuable parameters for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.METHODSWe performed a retrospective analysis of 370 patients who underwent high-resolution manometry with 5 mL water swallows × 10 in supine, × 5 in upright position and the rapid drink challenge (RDC) with 200 mL water from November 2016 to November 2021 at Peking University First Hospital. Fifty-one patients with elevated integrated supine IRP and evidence of peristalsis were enrolled, with 24 patients meeting the updated manometric EGJOO diagnosis (CCv4.0) as the EGJOO group and 27 patients not meeting the updated EGJOO criteria as the isolated supine IRP elevated group (either normal median IRP in upright position or less than 20% of supine swallows with elevated IBP). Forty-six patients with normal manometric features were collected as the normal high-resolution manometry (HRM) group. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES), esophageal body, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) parameters were compared between groups.RESULTSCompared with the normal HRM group, patients with EGJOO (CCv4.0) had significantly lower proximal esophageal contractile integral (PECI) and proximal esophageal length (PEL), with elevated IRP on RDC (P < 0.05 for each comparison), while isolated supine IRP elevated patients had no such feature. Patients with EGJOO also had more significant abnormalities in the esophagogastric junction than isolated supine IRP elevated patients, including higher LES resting pressure (LESP), intrabolus pressure, median supine IRP, median upright IRP, and IRP on RDC (P < 0.05 for each comparison). Patients with dysphagia had significantly lower PECI and PEL than patients without dysphagia among the fifty-one with elevated supine IRP. Further multivariate analysis revealed that PEL, LESP, and IRP on RDC are factors associated with EGJOO. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed UES nadir pressure, PEL, PECI, LESP, and IRP on RDC are parameters supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.CONCLUSIONBased on CCv4.0, patients with EGJOO have more severe esophagogastric junction dysfunction and are implicated in the proximal esophagus. Additionally, several parameters are supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.

Relationship Among Helicobacter Pylori, Lower Esophagus Sphincter Pressure, and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Single-Center Experience.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship among lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), Helicobacter pylori (Hp), and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).MethodsThe retrospective study included patients with isolated hypertensive or hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) who underwent esophageal manometry in our gastroenterology motility laboratory and had normal manometry results. Demographic characteristics, complaints on admission, upper endoscopy findings, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring results, and presence of Hp in gastric biopsy were evaluated.ResultsA total of 1226 patients were included in the study, among whom women comprised 54% of all patients. Mean age was 45.4±13.4 years. Most common presenting complaint was pyrosis (85.4%). Pathological reflux was detected in 61.4% of the patients in 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Reflux esophagitis was detected in 22.9% and LES laxity was present in 17.4% of the patients. In gastric biopsy, Hp was positive in 40% of the patients. The age of patients with hypertensive LES was significantly higher and female gender and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hypertensive LES. Pyrosis was significantly less prevalent in patients with hypertensive LESP. Esophagitis and LES laxity were significantly more prevalent in patients with hypotensive LES. No significant difference was found among the three groups with regard to reflux and Hp positivity. No significant difference was found between Hp-positive and Hp-negative groups with regard to reflux and reflux esophagitis.ConclusionNo clear relationship was found among LES disorders, GER, and Hp. Moreover, no significant difference was found among LES disorders with regard to GER, while the presence of hypotensive LESP, rather than Hp, was found to be an important factor in the development of reflux esophagitis.

The value of conventional manometry in the identification of normal esophageal manometry.

In the last decade, high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the main device for the management of dysphagia replacing conventional manometry (CM). Conventional manometry still seems to have some space to diagnose major motility disorders and differentiate normal from abnormal esophageal motility. The long term outcomes of patients with normal CM were analyzed in our study.Participants (patients with dysphagia and normal CM) took a questionnaire via a phone call in February 2021. Impact Dysphagia Questionnaire (IDQ) was used as an assessment tool.Only 55% (83/151) the individuals with previous normal manometric findings were reached via telephone. The group who have completed the survey was representative of the cohort. 66.2% of the participants were female (P = .40). The mean age was 57.21, mean weight was 70.69 kg, mean height was 163.74 cm and mean body mass index was 26.41. More than 40% of patients were completely asymptomatic at follow up, reflected by an IDQ score of 0. Only 28 out of 83 (33.7%) patients reported significant symptoms as reflected by an IDQ score greater than or equal to 7. The rest of responders admitted as having moderate to mild symptoms.HREM is a valid technique with comparable precision to CM. HREM measurements differ considerably to CM. The identification of normal motor function in CM is not likely a positive prognostic indicator and must be interpreted precautiously.

Evaluation of constipation in children using high-resolution anorectal manometry.

This prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted from July 2018 to March 2019, aimed to determine the causes of constipation using high-resolution anorectal manometry. Among 33 children enrolled in the study, 31 (94%) children presented with complaints of constipation with mean duration of 2.3 ± 2.5 years and 12 (36.4%) children also had associated complaints of faecal incontinence with mean duration of 3.5 ± 2.8 years. Seven children (21.2%) had normal high-resolution anorectal manometry parameters; anal sphincter hypotonia with decreased squeeze in one child, anal sphincter hypertonia with other abnormal parameters were noted in 25 and absent recto-anal inhibitory reflex in two. The causes of constipation determined were functional constipation in 30 (91%) children, suspected Hirschsprung's disease in two and suspected dyssynergic defecatory disorder in one. Almost 90% had functional constipation of which anal hypotension and anal hypertension may be a part of chronic functional constipation.

Alteration in Integrated Relaxation Pressure During Successive Swallows in Subjects With Normal Manometry Versus Those With Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Background/AimsIntegrated relaxation pressure (IRP) is defined as the average minimum esophagogastric junction pressure for 4 seconds of relaxation (contiguous or noncontiguous) within 10 seconds of swallowing. The durability of IRP values during successive swallows in the supine position remains to be elucidated. The aim is to determine alteration in IRP values during successive swallows among subjects with normal esophageal manometry versus those with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO).MethodsConsecutive subjects, who underwent high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) were included in the study. Individuals had to have either normal manometry or EGJOO. A total of 10 wet swallows of 5 mL water were performed after an adaptation period of a minimum of 3 minutes. Mean IRP was analyzed for both subject groups for each individual swallow.ResultsThirty-one patients with EGJOO and seventy patients with normal manometry were included. As expected, the median IRP was higher in EGJOO patients compared to those with normal HREM (mean 23.92 vs 5.34, P < 0.001). The mean IRP of the last swallow was 40% lower than the mean IRP of the first swallow in the normal subjects (P = 0.015). In contrast, the difference in the mean IRP value in the EGJOO group between the first and the last swallow was 19% (P = 0.018).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that there is a significant decline in the mean IRP during successive swallows in subjects with normal esophageal manometry and those with EGJOO, despite adequate adaptation periods. This decline in IRP was less pronounced in EGJOO.

Physiological and pathological roles of the accommodation response in lower esophageal sphincter relaxation during wet swallows

The preparatory accommodation response of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) before swallowing is one of the mechanisms involved in LES relaxation during wet swallows, however, the physiological and/or pathological roles of LES accommodation remain to be determined in humans. To address this problem, we conducted a prospective observational study of 38 patients with normal high-resolution manometry (HRM) and 23 patients with idiopathic esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) to assess dry and wet swallows. The LES accommodation measurement was proposed for practical use in evaluating the LES accommodation response. Although swallow-induced LES relaxation was observed in both dry and wet swallows, LES accommodation (6.4, 3.1–11.1 mmHg) was only observed in wet swallows. The extent of LES accommodation was impaired in idiopathic EGJOO (0.6, − 0.6–6 mmHg), and the LES accommodation measurement of patients with idiopathic EGJOO (36.8, 29.5–44.3 mmHg) was significantly higher in comparison to those with normal HRM (23.8, 18–28.6 mmHg). Successful LES relaxation in wet swallowing can be achieved by LES accommodation in combination with swallow-induced LES relaxation. Impaired LES accommodation is characteristic of idiopathic EGJOO. In addition to the IRP value, the LES accommodation measurement may be useful for evaluating the LES relaxation function in clinical practice.

Evaluating esophageal motility beyond primary peristalsis: Assessing esophagogastric junction opening mechanics and secondary peristalsis in patients with normal manometry.

Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry assesses the esophageal response to distention and may complement the assessment of primary peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM). We aimed to investigate whether FLIP Panometry provides complementary information in patients with normal esophageal motility on HRM. Adult patients that completed FLIP and had an HRM classification of normal motility were retrospectively identified for inclusion. 16-cm FLIP studies performed during endoscopy were evaluated to assess EGJ distensibility, secondary peristalsis, and identify an abnormal response to distention involving sustained LES contraction (sLESC). Clinical characteristics and esophagram were assessed when available. Of 164 patients included (mean(SD) age 48(16) years, 75% female), 111 (68%) had normal Panometry with EGJ-distensibility index (DI) ≥2.0 mm2 /mmHg, maximum EGJ diameter ≥16mm and antegrade contractions. Abnormal EGJ distensibility was observed in 44/164 (27%), and 38/164 (23%) had an abnormal contractile response to distension. sLESC was observed in 11/164 (7%). Among 68 patients that completed esophagram, abnormal EGJ distensibility was more frequently observed with an abnormal esophagram than normal EGJ opening: 14/23 (61%) vs 10/45 (22%); P=0.003. Epiphrenic diverticula were present in 3/164 patients: 2/3 had sLESC. Symptomatic patients with normal esophageal motility on HRM predominantly have normal FLIP Panometry; however, abnormal FLIP findings can be observed. While abnormal Panometry findings appear clinically relevant via an association with abnormal bolus retention, complementary tests, such as provocative maneuvers with HRM and timed barium esophagram, are useful to determine clinical context.

Normal Values and Associated Factors in High-resolution Anorectal Manometry in Healthy Vietnamese Adults

Abstract Introduction The present study aims to identify normal high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) values and related factors in healthy Vietnamese adults. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the Viet Duc hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, during April and May 2019. Healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Anorectal measurement values from the digestive tract, including pressure, were recorded. Results A total of 76 healthy volunteers were recruited. The mean functional anal canal length was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm, while the mean anal high-pressure zone length was 3.4 ± 0.5 cm. The mean defecation index was 1.4 ± 0.8, with values ranging from 0.3 to 5.0. The mean threshold volume to elicit the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was 18.1 mL. The mean rectal sensation values were 32.4 mL, 81.6 mL, and 159 mL for first sensation, desire to defecate, and urge to defecate, respectively. Dyssynergic patterns occurred in ∼ 50% of the study participants and included mainly types I (27.6%) and III (14.6%). There were significant differences between male and female patients in terms of maximum anal squeeze pressure, maximum anal cough pressure, maximum anal strain pressure, maximum rectal cough pressure, and maximum rectal strain pressure (all p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions The present study establishes normal HRAM values in healthy Vietnamese adults, particularly regarding normal values of anorectal pressure and rectal sensation. Further studies that include larger sample sizes should be conducted to further confirm the constants and their relationships.