Esophageal Dysmotility Research Articles

S474 Unveiling the Invisible: Exploring Esophageal Motility Disorders in Rural and Urban Populations

S474 Unveiling the Invisible: Exploring Esophageal Motility Disorders in Rural and Urban Populations

S564 Esophageal Motility Disorders, as Recognized by High Resolution Manometry, Are Common in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

S564 Esophageal Motility Disorders, as Recognized by High Resolution Manometry, Are Common in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

S1237 Efficacy and Safety of POEM for Treatment of Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Single Center Experience

S1237 Efficacy and Safety of POEM for Treatment of Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Single Center Experience

P22 Will the real scleroderma please stand up?: a case of a rare scleroderma mimic in ED

P22 Will the real scleroderma please stand up?: a case of a rare scleroderma mimic in ED

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy in elderly achalasia patients: a single center experience with PSM analysis

Introduction Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. With the ageing of the general population, treatment in elderly patients has become increasingly common; however, the gold standard treatment in this population remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy (LHM) in geriatric patients. Material and methods In this study, consecutive achalasia patients undergoing LHM at the University Hospital ‘Federico II’ of Naples from November 2018 to November 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age at intervention: elderly (≥70 years) and younger (<70 years). The two study groups were compared by minimizing the different distribution of covariates through a propensity score matching analysis (PSM). Results In both populations, there was a significant improvement in terms of manometric parameters and symptoms after surgery. After applying one-on-one PSM, we obtained a total population of 48 achalasia patients divided into two groups (24 patients each). No significant differences were found in terms of demographic characteristics as well as preoperative and intraoperative variables between two groups. At 12 months from surgery, integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was significantly lower in patients ≥ 70 years (p = 0.032), while younger patients scored significantly less at the post-operative Eckardt score (p = 0.047). Conclusions Laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy is a safe and effective treatment even in elderly patients with rapid post-operative recovery, improvement of symptoms and manometric parameters.

Esophageal motility in systemic sclerosis before and after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with esophageal dysmotility. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) results in improvement of skin tightness and lung function. Whether esophageal motility improves after HCT is unknown. Esophageal motility was studied using high-resolution esophageal manometry in 21 SSc patients before and at multiple time points after autologous HCT. Median posttransplant follow-up was 2years (range, 6months to 5years). Prior to HCT, all 21 patients had abnormal motility-10 (48%) had unmeasurable and 11 (52%) had measurable peristalsis. Manometric diagnosis in the former 10 patients was "absent contractility" and in the latter 11 patients "ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)." After HCT, among the 10 patients with absent contractility, 9 continued to have absent contractility and one demonstrated weak measurable peristalsis. Of the 11 patients with IEM, 5 experienced SSc relapse, and 2 out of these 5 patients developed absent contractility. Among the 6 non-relapsed patients, 4 continued to have IEM, and 2 developed normal motility. HCT appears to have no beneficial effect on motility in patients with unmeasurable peristalsis. In patients with measurable peristalsis, HCT appears to stabilize and in some normalize motility, unless relapse occurs. Key Points • In patients with systemic sclerosis, esophageal dysmotility is a significant contributor to morbidity and so far, there has been no data describing the effects of hematopoietic cell transplantation on esophageal motility. • Our work demonstrated that in patients with systemic sclerosis and unmeasurable esophageal peristalsis prehematopoietic cell transplantation, there was no measurable beneficial effect of transplantation on esophageal motility. • In patients with systemic sclerosis and measurable peristalsis prehematopoietic cell transplantation, esophageal motility stabilized, except in relapsed patients.

Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to reduced volume distension during FLIP Panometry.

The esophageal response to stepwise distension during the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry study often parallels high-resolution manometry (HRM) motility diagnoses. This study aimed to describe the changes in FLIP metrics during FLIP emptying, that is, reduced volume distension. Adult patients who completed FLIP and HRM for esophageal motility evaluation were included. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening parameters were assessed during stepwise FLIP filling to volumes of 60 mL ("filling 60 mL"), then 70 mL, and then back to 60 mL ("emptying 60 mL"). HRM studies were analyzed per Chicago classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0). Among 265 patients included, HRM/CCv4.0 diagnoses included achalasia in 80 patients (30%), normal motility in 70 (26%), and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in 43 (16%). EGJ-distensibility index (DI) and EGJ diameter were greater during emptying 60 mL than filling 60 mL in achalasia, normal motility, and IEM (p values <0.002). If applying the emptying 60 mL EGJ-DI (vs. filling 60 mL EGJ-DI), EGJ opening classification changed from reduced EGJ opening to borderline EGJ opening in 31% of achalasia patients and in 2% of patients with normal motility or IEM. EGJ opening classification was unchanged in 69% achalasia and 96% of normal motility/IEM. This study suggests that isotonic or auxotonic relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter occurs with reduced volume distension in patients with achalasia and normal motility. The study also supports the importance of utilizing a standardized FLIP motility study protocol (i.e., controlled, stepwise filling to 50 mL, 60 mL, then 70 mL) to provide reliable and generalizable FLIP metrics to facilitate diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders.

Esophageal Acalasia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management

Achalasia is a rare disease, but it can lead to loss of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) causing many complications in the gastrointestinal tract. Achalasia has a good prognosis if treated promptly, but the symptoms are non-specific. The aim of this study was to find out more about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of esophageal achalasia. This study was conducted on databases, such as PubMed, Google Schoolar, and Sience Direct. Inclusion criteria were free full text published in 2017-2022. The results of the literature review obtained by achalasia can cause functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction. Gradual neurodegeneration due to lack of non-cholinergic inhibitory ganglion cells results in an imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, resulting in over-contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of regulation leading to achalasia. Although the incidence of achalasia is very rare, if not treated promptly, it will lead to airway obstruction and cause sudden death. Therapy in patients with achalasia requires long-term follow-up, as the nature of available therapy is palliative, meaning recurrence will often occur. In conclusion, achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder that causes disruption of esophageal peristalsis and malfunction of the esophageal sphincter characterized by difficulty swallowing. Although the incidence of achalasia is very rare, if not treated immediately, it will lead to respiratory obstruction and death.

Research hotspots and trend of a emerging novel endoscopic technique of peroral endoscopic myotomy from 2010 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which has been used to treat achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders for the past 10 years, has proven to be secure and efficient. Every year, more and more essays on this subject are published. We sought to investigate the global scientific outputs and hotspots of POEM produced by various nations, organizations, and authors. From 2010 to October 2022, there were 875 papers on POEM that were found in the Web of Science Core database. The bibliometric visualization analyses of nations/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords were conducted by CiteSpace V.5.8.R3. Eight hundred seventy-five publications were included in this analysis. With 68 publications, Inoue H had the highest output. While Showa University in Japan was the most productive institution, the United States was the most productive nation. Among the journals, Surgical Endoscopy published the highest number of articles, followed by Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Endoscopy. The top 10 keywords that appeared most frequently were achalasia, peroral endoscopic myotomy, POEM, myotomy, esophageal achalasia, dysphagia, heller myotomy, endoscopy, gastroparesis and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Seven frontiers, including meta-analysis, high-resolution esophageal manometry, geriatric patient, third space endoscopy, adverse event, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, had an impact on future research on POEM. The previous 10 years have seen a considerable rise in POEM research, and this trend will continue. The most recent research frontiers, which require more attention, are meta-analysis, high-resolution esophageal manometry, geriatric patient, third space endoscopy, adverse event, and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Esophageal Motility Disorders - What's New?

Esophageal motor disorders are an important cause of dysphagia but can also be associated with retrosternal pain and heartburn as well as regurgitation. In extreme cases, patients are not able to eat appropriately and lose weight. Repetitive aspiration can occur and may cause pulmonological complications. Achalasia represents the most important and best-defined esophageal motor disorder and is characterized by insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in combination with typical disturbances of esophageal peristalsis. Additional defined motor disorders are distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus, absent contractility and ineffective peristalsis. Patients with appropriate symptoms should primarily undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy for exclusion of e.g., tumors and esophagitis. Esophageal high-resolution manometry is the reference method for diagnosis and characterization of motor disorders in non-obstructive dysphagia. An esophagogram with barium swallow may deliver complementary information or may be used if manometry is not available. Balloon dilatation and Heller myotomy are long established and more or less equally effective therapeutic options for patients with achalasia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) enhances the therapeutic armamentarium for achalasia and hypertensive/spastic motor disorders since 2010. For hypotensive motor disorders, which may occur as a complication of e.g., rheumatological diseases or idiopathically, therapeutic options are still limited.

Comparison of the efficacy of diltiazem versus fluoxetine in the treatment of distal esophageal spasm: A randomized-controlled-trial

Background and study aimDistal esophageal spasm is an uncommon esophageal motility disorder presenting with non-cardiac chest pain and dysphagia. The main goal of therapy is symptom relief with pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical therapies. Pharmacologic treatment is less invasive and is the preferred method of choice. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diltiazem versus fluoxetine in the treatment of distal esophageal spasm. Patients and methodsA total of 125 patients with distal esophageal spasm diagnosed using endoscopy, barium esophagogram, and manometry were evaluated. Patients were divided into diltiazem and fluoxetine groups and received a 2-month trial of diltiazem + omeprazole or fluoxetine + omeprazole, respectively. Of 125 patients, 55 were lost to follow up and 70 were eligible for final analysis. Clinical signs and symptoms were assessed before and after therapy using four validated questionnaires: Eckardt score, short form-36, heartburn score, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. ResultsBoth regimens significantly relieved symptoms (a decrease in mean Eckardt score of 2.57 and 3.18 for diltiazem and fluoxetine groups, respectively; and a decrease in mean heartburn score by 0.89 and 1.03 for diltiazem and fluoxetine groups, respectively). Patients’ quality of life improved based on short form-36 (an increase in mean score of 2.37 and 3.95 for fluoxetine and diltiazem groups, respectively). There was no relationship between patients’ improvement and severity of symptoms. Psychological findings based on the hospital anxiety and depression scale were inconsistent (a decrease in mean of 0.143 and 0.57 for fluoxetine and diltiazem groups, respectively; p > 0.05). ConclusionFluoxetine and diltiazem were effective for clinical symptom relief in patients with distal esophageal spasm, but were not promising for improving psychological symptoms. Neither regimen was superior in terms of efficacy. Consequently, it is key to consider side effects and comorbidities when choosing a therapy.

The correlation between helicobacter pylori and idiopathic achalasia: A case control study.

Idiopathic achalasia is a common and well-recognized primary esophageal motility disorder with unknown etiology and is characterized by the abnormality of esophageal body peristalsis associated with an impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The aim of this study is to explore the correlation between Helicobacter pylori and idiopathic achalasia. This study was conducted on 700 patients, with dysphagia, regurgitation, and non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), who met our inclusion criteria. The mean ± SD age was 39.8 ± 11 (13-80 years), and 60% (420) of the participants were female. Of the participants, 108 had idiopathic achalasia and 105 were normal participants who were placed in the case and control groups, respectively. They were enrolled in the study based on high-resolution manometry. H. pylori was confirmed by a histological study. In the biopsy, specimens were taken by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Our results revealed that 71.3% and 45% of the participants were H. Pylori positive in the case and control groups, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) was 3.3 (95% CI: 1.80-5.99, P < 0.05), indicating a statistically significant association between H. Pylori infection and the group classification. The dominant presenting symptoms in achalasia were dysphagia (97.2%) and NCCP (80.5%), but regurgitation (65.7%) was a dominant symptom in the normal participants. Diverse autoimmune and apoptotic phenomena induced by H. Pylori influence the pathogenesis of idiopathic achalasia, suggesting an underlying link between H. Pylori infection and idiopathic achalasia. This correlation should be confirmed by other clinical and experimental studies.

Impact of gastro-jejunostomy tube in lung transplant patients: a propensity-matched analysis.

During the postoperative phase of lung transplantation, the surgical creation of a gastro-jejunostomy (GJ) may be deemed necessary for patients with severe oesophageal dysmotility, prolonged oral intake difficulties stemming from use of a ventilator or marked malnutrition. We explored the effects of postoperative GJ tube on survival and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients. We retrospectively reviewed all lung transplants performed at our institution between 2011 and 2022. Propensity score matching was performed to match patients who required a GJ tube with control patients on a 1:1 ratio. The preoperative, operative and postoperative outcomes of the patients were evaluated. After propensity score matching, 193 patients with GJ were compared to 193 patients without GJ. Patients with GJ had significantly higher rates of delayed chest closure (P = 0.007), and postoperative dialysis (P = 0.016), longer intensive care unit stays (P < 0.001), longer ventilator duration (P < 0.001), higher rates of pneumonia (P = 0.035) and higher rates of being treated for acute cellular rejection within 1 year of transplant (P = 0.008). Overall survival and freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome were not found to be significantly different between the matched groups (P = 0.09 and P = 0.3). GJ tube placement during the postoperative phase of lung transplantation did not compromise patient survival or freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome although the results reflect more difficult and complicated cases. This study indicates that the GJ tube may be a useful option for enteral feeding.

Surgical Options for End-Stage Achalasia.

Achalasia is one of the most commonly described primary esophageal motility disorders worldwide, but there is significant controversy regarding ideal management of end-stage disease. This article reviews the definition of end-stage achalasia and summarizes past and present surgical treatment. Myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter remains the mainstay of treatment of achalasia, even in advanced disease. Esophagectomy may have benefit as a primary treatment modality in end-stage achalasia with sigmoid esophagus, but international guidelines recommend consideration of laparoscopic or endoscopic approaches initially in most patients. Novel peroral esophageal plication techniques may provide alternative treatment options in patients with significant esophageal dilation that fail myotomy or esophagectomy. End-stage achalasia is characterized by progressive tortuosity and dilation of the esophagus as a failure of primary peristalsis. Up to 20% of patients with achalasia will progress to end-stage disease. In most cases, laparoscopic or endoscopic myotomy is recommended as initial approach to surgical management.

Oesophageal stasis is a risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction and allograft failure in lung transplant recipients.

Morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients are often triggered by recurrent aspiration events, potentiated by oesophageal and gastric disorders. Previous small studies have shown conflicting associations between oesophageal function and the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Herein, we sought to investigate the relationship between oesophageal motility disorders and long-term outcomes in a large retrospective cohort of lung transplant recipients. All lung transplant recipients at the Toronto Lung Transplant Program from 2012 to 2018 with available oesophageal manometry testing within the first 7 months post-transplant were included in this study. Patients were categorised according to the Chicago Classification of oesophageal disorders (v3.0). Associations between oesophageal motility disorders with the development of CLAD and allograft failure (defined as death or re-transplantation) were assessed. Of 487 patients, 57 (12%) had oesophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (OGJOO) and 47 (10%) had a disorder of peristalsis (eight major, 39 minor). In a multivariable analysis, OGJOO was associated with an increased risk of CLAD (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15-2.55, p=0.008) and allograft failure (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.53, p=0.01). Major disorders of peristalsis were associated with an increased risk of CLAD (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.01-2.37, p=0.04) and allograft failure (HR 3.33, 95% CI 1.53-7.25, p=0.002). Minor disorders of peristalsis were not significantly associated with CLAD or allograft failure. Lung transplant recipients with oesophageal stasis characterised by OGJOO or major disorders of peristalsis were at an increased risk of adverse long-term outcomes. These findings will help with risk stratification of lung transplant recipients and personalisation of treatment for aspiration prevention.

Association of esophageal motility disorder symptoms with Chicago classification versions 3.0 and 4.0 using high-resolution esophageal manometry: A single-center experience from Saudi Arabia.

Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The Chicago Classification (CC) was developed as a robust framework to enable clinicians to better understand and classify the nature of motility disorders. Previous studies have primarily focused on the CC version 3.0 (CCv3.0), and data regarding the correlation between symptoms and CC version 4.0 (CCv4.0) in the Saudi Arabian population are lacking. This study aimed to assess the correlation between symptoms and CCv3.0 and CCv4.0 using high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) in Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of both classifications. A total of 182 patients presenting with esophageal symptoms were included in this study. HRM was performed to assess esophageal motility, and patients' reported symptoms were recorded. The association between HRM findings and symptomatic variables was analyzed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Variability was observed in the diagnostic performance of symptomatic variables for major EMDs. CCv4.0 demonstrated a higher sensitivity for dysphagia than CCv3.0; however, it exhibited lower sensitivity to atypical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) exhibited the highest specificity and PPV, whereas typical GERD symptoms showed lower specificity. CCv4.0 demonstrated potential improvements in sensitivity for dysphagia, but lower sensitivity for atypical GERD symptoms, compared with CCv3.0. These insights provide guidance for clinicians in Saudi Arabia and contribute to understanding the diagnostic performance of CCv3.0 and CCv4.0.

Radionuclide Diagnosis of Esophageal Dysmotility and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective: to evaluate the possibilities of dynamic scintigraphy for the diagnosis of esophageal dysmotility (ED) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS).Material and methods. The study group included 77 patients with established SS of different disease duration (from several months to 30 years) who underwent Technephyt 99mTc dynamic esophageal scintigraphy using two-stage protocol. During the first stage, the esophageal transport function was evaluated; during the second stage, the presence and severity of GER were assessed. Scans were analyzed using visual assessment, quantitative estimation of time/activity curves, and a proposed three-point scale for evaluating ED and GER severity. The control group consisted of 19 practically healthy individuals who underwent a routine examination to exclude digestive system and gastrointestinal tract diseases, the algorithm of which included dynamic scintigraphy.Results. ED was found in 74 of 77 patients (96%). According to three-point scale, severe ED (3 points) was registrated in 41 (55%) patients, moderate ED (2 points) in 15 (21%), and mild ED in 18 (24%). GER was diagnosed in 35 of 77 cases (45%): mild GER in 13 (37%), moderate GER (2 points) in 22 (63%), and none of the patients was found to have severe GER (3 points). A significant relationship between the presence of GER and the severity of ED was not obtained, but a direct correlation was established between ED and GER severity.Conclusion. Most SS patients demonstrated ED of varying severity associated with mild and moderate GER in nearly 45% of the cases. The study results confirm the practical significance of dynamic scintigraphy for assessing the esophageal transport function and GER in SS patients.

Technical Success in Performing Esophageal High-Resolution Manometry in Patients with an Epiphrenic Diverticulum.

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders, yet it can be poorly tolerated and technically challenging. Epiphrenic diverticula (ED) are located in the distal esophagus and are associated with underlying motility disorders. ED patients (2008-2022) were retrospectively compared to achalasia patients (2008-2022) and all other patients (2021-2022) who underwent HRM at a single center. Complete success was defined as at least 7 interpretable swallows including measurements throughout the esophagus into the stomach. HRM studies involving children, previously treated achalasia, and sedation or endoscopic-assistance were excluded. 20 ED patients (mean age 66; 60% female) were compared to 76 achalasia patients and 199 controls. HRM was completely successful in 70.0% of ED patients, 85.5% of achalasia (p = 0.106 vs ED), and 91.0% of controls (p = 0.004 vs ED). Most failures in the ED and achalasia groups were due to inability to traverse the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), while patient intolerance was the main reason in controls. Half of the ED group had motility disorders (25% achalasia, 15% hypercontractile esophagus, 10% absent contractility). Large diverticulum size was inversely associated with technical success compared to small diverticulum size (40% vs 100%, p = 0.013), while the presence of a motility disorder did not significantly affect success (60% vs 88.9%, p = 0.303). In conclusion,ED is a predictor of unsuccessful HRM. This appears to be mainly related to an inability to traverse the EGJ due to the size of the diverticulum. Consideration should be given to alternative means of evaluating motility, such as endoscopy-assisted HRM, given the high likelihood of failure with traditional HRM.

Development and Evaluation of a Flexible PVDF-Based Balloon Sensor for Detecting Mechanical Forces at Key Esophageal Nodes in Esophageal Motility Disorders.

Prevailing methods for esophageal motility assessments, such as perfusion manometry and probe-based function imaging, frequently overlook the intricate stress fields acting on the liquid-filled balloons at the forefront of the probing device within the esophageal lumen. To bridge this knowledge gap, we innovatively devised an infusible flexible balloon catheter, equipped with a quartet of PVDF piezoelectric sensors. This design, working in concert with a bespoke local key-node analytical algorithm and a sensor array state analysis model, seeks to shed new light on the dynamic mechanical characteristics at pivotal esophageal locales. To further this endeavor, we pioneered a singular closed balloon system and a complementary signal acquisition and processing system that employs a homogeneously distributed PVDF piezoelectric sensor array for the real-time monitoring of dynamic mechanical nuances in the esophageal segment. An advanced analytical model was established to scrutinize the coupled physical fields under varying degrees of balloon inflation, thereby facilitating a thorough dynamic stress examination of local esophageal nodes. Our rigorous execution of static, dynamic, and simulated swallowing experiments robustly substantiated the viability of our design, the logical coherence of our esophageal key-point stress analytical algorithm, and the potential clinical utility of a flexible esophageal key-node stress detection balloon probe outfitted with a PVDF array. This study offers a fresh lens through which esophageal motility testing can be viewed and improved upon.

Predictors of Underlying Esophageal Motility Disorders in Patients Presenting with Esophageal Candidiasis.

Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) are a known risk factor for esophageal candidiasis (EC), but this relation has not been described particularly well. We sought to evaluate the predictors of underlying EMDs in patients presenting with EC. Cases of EC at a single medical center between 2010 and 2021 were identified retrospectively based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and manometric data were reviewed. The diagnosis of EC was based on typical endoscopic appearance. In total, 130 EC patients were identified (mean age 69.5 ± 14.6; 66.2% male). Of these, 12 (9.2%) had an underlying EMD (11 cases of achalasia; 1 case of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction). Five (41.7%) of these patients had previously been diagnosed as having an EMD, whereas 7 were newly diagnosed only after their presentation with EC. No significant differences were noted between those with or without EMDs in terms of demographics, medical comorbidities, or medication use. Patients with an EMD, however, were more likely to complain of dysphagia (91.7% vs 30.5%, P < 0.001), and on endoscopy, they were more likely to have residual food in the esophagus, residual fluid in the esophagus, a dilated esophagus, and resistance to traversing the esophagogastric junction (all P < 0.001). Sixty-one (46.9%) patients with EC died during follow-up (mean 58 months). EMDs are present in approximately 10% of patients presenting with EC, with half being diagnosed only after presenting with EC. Similar to non-EC patients, patients with EC with dysphagia and the typical endoscopic findings of achalasia are more likely to have an EMD and warrant prompt manometric evaluation.