Solid Swallows Research Articles

Association between swallowing dynamics, tongue pressure and pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundSwallowing is a complex process that requires the coordination of muscles in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Dysphagia occurs when a person has difficulty swallowing. In the case of subjects with respiratory diseases, the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia potentially increases lung disease exacerbations, which can lead to a rapid decline in lung function. This study aimed to analyze the swallowing of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).MethodsPatients with IPF were evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), tongue pressure, the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST), and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS). The findings were related to dyspnea severity assessed by the modified Medical Research Counsil (mMRC) score; the nutritional status screened with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool; and pulmonary function tests, specifically spirometry and measurement of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), and the maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax).ResultsThe sample consisted of 34 individuals with IPF. Those who exhibited swallowing modifications scored lower on the MNA than those who did not (9.6 ± 0.76 vs. 11.64 ± 0.41 points; mean difference 1.98 ± 0.81 points; p = 0.02). They also showed poorer lung function when considering the predicted force vital capacity (FVC; 81.5% ± 4.61% vs. 61.87% ± 8.48%; mean difference 19.63% ± 9.02%; p = 0.03). The speed of liquid swallowing was altered in 31of 34 of the evaluated subjects (91.1%). The number of liquid swallows correlated significantly with the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC ratio (r = 0.3; p = 0.02). Solid eating and swallowing assessed with the TOMASS score correlated with lung function. The number of chewing cycles correlated negatively with PImax% predicted (r = -0.4; p = 0.0008) and PEmax% predicted (r = -0.3; p = 0.02). FVC% predicted correlated with increased solid swallowing time (r = -0.3; p = 0.02; power = 0.6). Swallowing solids was also impacted by dyspnea.ConclusionPatients with mild-to-moderate IPF can present feeding adaptations, which can be related to the nutritional status, lung function, and the severity of dyspnea.

Evaluation of Plummer-Vinson syndrome in pediatric patients with dysphagia

Aim: In our study, after excluding all other causes of dysphagia in the pediatric age, we tried to present the patients who were followed up and treated with the diagnosis of Plummer-Vinson syndrome(PWS) with iron deficiency anemia and dysphagia. Our aim is to emphasize that there may be dysphagia that can only be cured with anemia treatment and that it can be improved with treatment by a pediatrician. Material method: Pediatric patients who applied to our hospital with the complaint of dysphagia between May 2019-November 2020 were included in the study. After excluding all other causes of dysphagia, patients diagnosed with PWS were evaluated retrospectively. It was aimed to evaluate the age, gender, type, characteristics and duration of dysphagia of the patients retrospectively and to present them in the light of the literature. Results: PWS was detected in 24 of 200 pediatric patients who presented with dysphagia. The proportion of male patients was 37.5%, and their mean age was 97 months. The mean duration of dysphagia complaints was 11.2 months. Four patients had difficulty swallowing liquid food only, 12 patients had solid swallowing difficulties, and 8 patients had difficulty swallowing both solid and liquid food. Anemia was diagnosed by performing a complete blood count and having hemoglobin and hematocrit levels below 2 standard deviations appropriate for age; Those with vitamin B12 levels below 200 pg/ml were defined as cobalamin deficiency. Esophageal web was detected in 4 patients who underwent contrast esophagography. In esophagogastroduodensoscopy, stenosis was treated endoscopically in patients with web. In 20 patients, dysphagia did not persist after six months of iron deficiency anemia treatment. Conclusion: Although the diagnosis of PVS is rare in children, it should be considered and treated in all children with dysphagia associated with iron deficiency anemia. Patients whose complaints continue after treatment at the appropriate dose and duration should be referred for pediatric gastroenterology evaluation.

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.

Are the Chicago 3.0 manometric diagnostics consistent with Chicago 4.0?

There is little information on the degree of concordance between the results obtained using the Chicago 3.0 (CCv3.0) and Chicago 4.0 (CCv4.0) protocols to interpret high-resolution manometry (HRM) seeking to determine the value provided by the new swallowing maneuvers included in the last protocol. This is a study of diagnostic tests, evaluating concordance by consistency between the results obtained by the CCv3.0 and CCv4.0 protocols, in patients undergoing HRM. Concordance was assessed with the kappa test. Bland-Altman scatter plots, and Lin's correlation-concordance coefficient (CCC) were used to assess the agreement between IRP measured with swallows in the supine and seated position or with solid swallows. One hundred thirty-two patients were included (65% women, age 53 ± 17years). The most frequent HRM indication was dysphagia (46.1%). Type I was the most common type of gastroesophageal junction. The most frequent CCv4.0 diagnoses were normal esophageal motility (68.9%), achalasia (15.5%), and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM; 5.3%). The agreement between the results was substantial (Kappa 0.77 ± 0.05), with a total agreement of 87.9%. Diagnostic reclassification occurred in 12.1%, from IEM in CCv3.0 to normal esophageal motility in CCv4.0. Similarly, there was a high level of agreement between the IRP measured in the supine compared to the seated position (CCC0.92) and with solid swallows (CCC0.96). In conclusion, the CCv4.0 protocol presents a high concordance compared to CCv3.0. In the majority of manometric diagnoses there is no reclassification of patients with provocation tests. However, the more restrictive criteria of CCv4.0 achieve a better reclassification of patients with IEM.

Natural history of symptoms and prognostic information of the rapid drink challenge and solid bolus swallows in esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction defined by manometry.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a condition characterized by poor relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can manifest as dysphagia and chest pain. The best treatment of EGJOO is unknown as some patients improve without any specific therapy, whereas some patients undergo invasive therapy. Currently, prognostic factors are lacking. We aimed to assess the long-term prognosis and predictors of dysphagia and chest pain by the rapid drink challenge and solid bolus swallows in EGJOO. We retrospectively assessed high-resolution esophageal manometries (HRM) performed at our center between 2015 and 2018. The patients completed a dysphagia and chest pain questionnaire a median of 34 months after the HRM/baseline assessment, including the Impaction dysphagia questionnaire-10 (IDQ-10) complemented with questions regarding chest pain and esophageal treatments. Symptoms were compared with HRM findings. In all, 980 HRMs were analyzed and 66 (6.5%) were identified as having HRM findings compatible with EGJOO. Of these, 27 patients with EGJOO (41%) completed the follow-up questionnaires and had no exclusion criteria, and 70% of these patients had dysphagia and 44% chest pain at least once a week. Dysphagia at follow-up was more common in patients with elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on all three HRM metrics (water swallows, solid bolus swallows, and rapid drink challenge) (p = 0.03, odds ratio: 8.4 (95% CI: 1.2-56.0)), but this was not seen for chest pain (p = 0.45). Abnormal motility patterns on rapid drink challenge or solid bolus swallows were not associated with dysphagia or chest pain at follow-up. Having a high IRP on three HRM metrics-water swallows, solid bolus swallows, and rapid drink challenge-is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with EGJOO and could potentially be used to select candidates suitable for invasive procedures.

OGBN P18 Surgical Intervention in Patient with Oesophageal Absent Contractility

Abstract Background Absent contractility (AC) is a major motility disorder with poor prognosis. Surgical management for associated comorbidities of AC are often challenging such as in GORD patients where antireflux surgery may be contraindicated or undiagnosed achalasia manifesting with normotensive integrated relaxation pressure would be deprived of surgical myotomy. Thus, it’s crucial to explore potential surgical interventions for patients with AC from both ends of the spectrum. This study will investigate the two extremes of AC and seek to determine suitable strategies for patient selection and offer insights into the management of AC through surgical intervention. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients undergone high-resolution manometry (HRM) between January 2022 to June 2023 and were diagnosed with AC based on ten 5ml water swallows. Patients were followed-up with provocative multiple water swallowing (MWS) and solid bolus swallow (SBS) assessments. Peristalsis invoked by MWS with Distal Contractile Integral (DCI) >100mmHgscm or SBS with DCI >405mmHgscm are adequate peristaltic vigour for consideration of floppy Nissen fundoplication. Patients with absolute AC on provocative stimulation and without peristaltic remnants during the HRM recording underwent oesophageal transit testing in consideration for Heller’s myotomy. Results Total of 115 patients were included (female:male=59:56, mean age 56 years old) with 43 patients (37.4%) demonstrating peristalsis on adjunctive testing (SBS assessment provoking peristalsis was greater by 3.2 folds to MWS [p=0.0004]). In 72 patients with failed adjunctive testing, 6 patients (8.3%) invoked peristalsis (DCI>100mmHgscm) from dry swallows (largest DCI observed: 1000) and 29 patients (40.2%) demonstrated peristaltic remnants (DCI<100mmHgscm). 37 patients (32.2%) had absolute AC with 21/37 patients (56.7%) were diagnosed with achalasia on transit testing (7 patients are still pending tests). AC in 9 patients originate from aetiologies where surgery would not benefit the patients. Conclusions Approximately 37.4% of patients with AC were suitable for floppy Nissen fundoplication, while 32.2% required Heller's myotomy. Surgical intervention was postponed if peristaltic remnants was observed and pending complete diminishment or recovery with prokinetic therapy. Overall, surgical intervention may be considered in nearly 70% of patients with AC.

Chicago Classification Version 4.0 Improves Stratification of Ineffective Esophageal Motility Patients into Clinically Meaningful Subtypes: A Two-Center International Study.

The 4th iteration of the Chicago Classification (CC v4.0) for esophageal motility disorders offers more restrictive criteria for the diagnosis of Ineffective Esophageal Motility (IEM) compared to version 3.0 (CC v3.0). In light of the updated criteria for IEM, we aimed to characterize and compare the patients who retained their IEM diagnosis to those who were reclassified as normal motility, and to evaluate the clinical impact of the newly introduced CC v4.0. We performed a retrospective case-control study. We included all individuals who underwent a high-resolution manometry (HRM) between 2020 and 2021 at two centers. Consecutive studies reported as IEM according to the CC v3.0 were reanalyzed according to the CC v4.0. We compared demographics, clinical, manometry, and pH-monitoring parameters. Out of 452 manometry studies, 154 (34%) met criteria for IEM as per the CC v3.0 (CC v3.0 IEM group). Of those, 39 (25%) studies were reclassified as normal studies according to the CC v4.0 (CC v4.0 normal group), while the remaining 115 studies (25% of the overall cohort) retained an IEM diagnosis (CC v4.0 IEM group). The CC v4.0 normal group had more recovered contractions during solid swallows (p = 0.01), less ineffective swallows (p = 0.04), and lower acid exposure time (p = 0.02) compared to the CC4.0 IEM group. Under CC v4.0 criteria, fewer patients are diagnosed with IEM. Those diagnosed with IEM had worse esophageal function and higher acid burden. Though further studies are needed to confirm these findings, our results indicate that CC v4.0 criteria restrict the IEM diagnosis to a more clinically meaningful population.

Patterns of Esophageal Motility and Bolus Transit in Children With Repaired Esophageal Atresia

Background: Esophageal dysmotility is common after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard to investigate motility. We aim to characterize esophageal dysmotility and bolus transit for liquid and solids in children with repaired EA. Method: Retrospective analysis of HRM from children with repaired EA. Five liquid and 5 solid swallows per child were assessed for the standard manometric measurement and peristalsis pattern. Impedance tracings were used to assess bolus transit. Results: Ninety measurements were assessed from 9 patients, 44% Females. Mean age was 10.5 (±4.6) years. All children had dysphagia and anastomotic strictures were excluded. None of the children had intact peristalsis, 44.4% of the liquid swallows were failed, 33.3% fragmented and 22.2% ineffective. 44.4% of the solid swallows were failed, 44.4% fragmented and 11.1% ineffective. 33.3% had incomplete bolus transit in the whole esophagus, 44.4% in the upper and 11% in the lower esophagus. Mean peristalsis break for liquid was 7 cm (±2.1) and for solid was 5.9 cm (±3.2) P .025. Conclusion: Impaired esophageal motility is universal post EA repair. Failed and ineffective peristalsis predominate with incomplete bolus transit and large peristalsis breaks after liquid and solid swallows. HRM can provide clinical guidance, diagnostic and prognostic information post EA repair.

IMPACT OF HIGH-FLOW NASAL CANNULA THERAPY ON SWALLOWING: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

IMPACT OF HIGH-FLOW NASAL CANNULA THERAPY ON SWALLOWING: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

A Within-Subject Comparison of Face-to-Face and Telemedicine Screening Using the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing of Solids (TOMASS)

The Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and the Test of Mastication of Solids (TOMASS) are dysphagia screening procedures that have been shown to be reliably assessed from video. The reliability of the procedures performed over telemedicine has not previously been assessed. TWST and TOMASS outcomes in two situations (both face-to-face and over telemedicine) were compared for 48 participants (aged 60–90; 27 with clinical conditions and 21 older persons). Both testing situation and test performed order were randomized, and all assessment procedures were performed within 3 h of each other. The results indicated a high level of agreement between face-to-face and telemedicine screening outcomes for TWST and TOMASS, respectively. The assessments indicated an 83% and 76% agreement in classifications of individual participants as within or outside normal limits for the TWST and TOMASS for the two test situations. The TWST showed a balanced distribution in differing classification in telemedicine (0.16–0.19 error rates). The TOMASS procedure classified more participants as outside normal limits over telemedicine compared to face-to-face administration. Agreement in the observed number of swallows was substantially lower than other outcome measures, which is attributed to increased difficulty in observing this property over video. Most participants (60%) reported that they would prefer telemedicine over face-to-face assessments, and 90% viewed the procedure as more accessible than expected. All participants were satisfied with the telemedicine procedures. The results suggest that clinical assessment of dysphagia over telemedicine using the TWST and TOMASS are viable alternatives to face-to-face administration of the procedures.

How provocative tests in addition to wet swallows during high-resolution manometry can direct clinical management.

Provocative tests have been advocated to address limitations of high-resolution manometry (HRM) with wet swallows. We describe the commonly used provocative manometric manoeuvres [rapid drink challenge (RDC), multiple rapid swallows (MRS), solid swallows and the solid test meal (STM)], compare their diagnostic yield and accuracy to wet swallows, and outline their role in directing clinical management. Provocative testing with RDC and STM identifies a proportion of achalasia cases missed by standard testing, and RDC can play a similar role to radiology in the evaluation of treatment response. In EGJOO, provocative testing with RDC and STM not only increase the diagnostic yield, but can also help differentiate between spurious cases and those representing true outflow obstruction likely to respond to achalasia-type therapies. MRS and STM can help determine the clinical relevance (or otherwise) of ineffective oesophageal motility, and in this setting, MRS may predict the likelihood of postfundoplication dysphagia. RDC and STM can help identify cases of postfundoplication dysphagia more likely to respond to dilatation. Provocative testing has been shown to increase diagnostic yield of HRM, clarify inconclusive diagnoses, allows corroboration of dysmotility with patient symptoms and helps direct clinical management.

The yield of solid swallows in high resolution esophageal manometry among patients with dysphagia and gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms.

Swallowing disorders are frequently reported esophageal symptoms and represent a common cause for referrals to gastroenterology consultations. Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) is considered the gold standard modality for the evaluation of esophageal peristalsis and esophageal sphincter. The standard protocol of HRM includes water swallows only, that may not assess appropriately esophageal function and symptoms. Hence, we investigated the diagnostic yield of combining solid food swallows (SFS) to standard HRM. We conducted a retrospective study at the Unit of Gastroenterology of EMMS Nazareth Hospital, Israel. Patients who underwent manometry mainly due to dysphagia or reflux symptoms between November 2019 and November 2020 were enrolled. All patients underwent routine HRM and completed ten 5 mL water swallows and 5 bread swallows. Analysis and reports were done by an expert gastroenterologist, based on the Chicago Classification version 3. Overall, 99 patients (45.5% men, mean age 52.1±16 years) who underwent HRM were included. The addition of solid swallows to the test changed manometry results in 43 patients (43.4%) (P<0.005). Furthermore, SFS improved the contractility in 26/42 cases of ineffective and/or absent motility (61%) (P<0.005). Finally, SFS aggravated symptoms in 44 patients (44.6% more aggravation than in liquid only) (P<0.005). Combining SFS to HRM can improve the diagnostic yield of the study. Adding solid swallows is of special value in cases of ineffective esophageal motility but induces a high rate of symptoms aggravation.

Solid bolus swallows during high-resolution manometry complement multiple rapid swallows in predicting symptoms following antireflux surgery.

Solid bolus swallows (SBS) assess esophageal peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM). It remains unknown if increase in contraction vigor (contraction reserve) following SBS (SBS-CR) provides information similar to that observed following multiple rapid swallows (MRS-CR). Clinical and HRM data from adult patients (n=96, age 58.2years, 61.5% female) undergoing esophageal testing prior to anti-reflux surgery (ARS) were analyzed if both MRS and SBS were available, and compared to similar data from healthy asymptomatic volunteers (n=18, age 27.5years, 55.6% female). Patients reported esophageal symptoms before and after ARS using 5-point Likert scales evaluating symptom frequency and severity; scores for each patient were averaged to determine global symptoms. Distal contractile integral (DCI) from single swallows was compared to MRS DCI and SBS DCI; the ratio of single swallow DCI to MRS DCI or SBS DCI ≥1 determined the presence of contraction reserve. Multiple rapid swallows CR was concordant with SBS CR in 55.6% of healthy volunteers, 100% of absent contractility, 100% of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and 56.9% without IEM. Correlation between MRS DCI and SBS DCI was highest when IEM criteria were met (Spearman's rho 0.998). While neither MRS CR nor SBS CR presence differed by presenting symptoms or global symptom score at baseline, post-ARS global symptom burden was highest in the absence of both MRS CR and SBS CR, especially in patients with esophageal hypomotility using Chicago Classification version 4.0 criteria (p=0.03). Multiple rapid swallows and SBS are complementary in predicting post-ARS symptom burden.

Evaluation of Objective and Subjective Swallowing Outcomes in Patients with Dysphagia Treated for Head and Neck Cancer.

We evaluated objective and subjective swallowing function outcomes in patients with dysphagia treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) and identified risk factors for poor swallowing outcomes. Patients undergoing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) between January 2016 and March 2021 were divided into four groups according to primary tumor sites; post-treatment dysphagia was assessed. The penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) and bolus residue scale (BRS) were used to objectively assess swallowing function through VFSS. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) was used for subjective analyses of swallowing statuses. To account for potential confounding, important covariates were adjusted for in logistic regression models. Oropharyngeal tumors were significantly more likely to have poor PAS and BRS scores than oral cavity tumors, and the patients with nasopharyngeal tumors were significantly less likely to have poor FOIS scores. Old age, having multiple HNCs, and a history of radiotherapy were associated with an increased odds of poor PAS scores (for all types of swallows), poor BRS scores (for semiliquid and solid swallows), and poor FOIS scores, respectively. This indicates using only subjective assessments may not allow for accurate evaluations of swallowing function in patients treated for HNC. Using both objective and subjective assessments may allow for comprehensive evaluations.

Ancillary Techniques and Maneuvers in High Resolution Esophageal Manometry

High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is a technique to determine the function of esophageal musculature and integrity of esophagogastric junction. Conventionally, the HREM study is done in the supine position using ten swallows of 5 ml water each. Apart from this mandatory testing, ancillary testing and maneuvers are undertaken to elicit detailed physiological information. These include multiple rapid swallows, rapid drink tests, testing in the upright position with solid swallows, and pharmacological testing. The present review highlights these techniques and their clinical utility.

810 REPRODUCIBILITY OF REPEATED MEASUREMENTS OF OESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY METRICS WITHIN A STUDY

Abstract To compare reproducibility of repeated measurements of oesophageal motility metrics after 5 wet swallows within a study. Methods Patients referred for high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) to assess oesophageal motor function were enrolled. Solid-state 36-channel 10 Fr catheter (Unisensor AG) and Solar (MMS) software were used. Minimum 10 water swallows by 5 mL each were obtained. Two operators independently assessed the results of examination. Records of swallows were divided into 2 series by 5 measurements each. These series were compared by key metrics: integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral (DCI), distal latency (DL), and contractile front velocity (CFV). Non-parametric statistics was used to compare the results. Results We enrolled 46 men and 68 women, age (mean ± SD) 48.8 ± 11.5 y.o. Of them, 52 patients had GERD, 25-different types of achalasia and 37 had no oesophageal disorders. The inter-observer agreement between 2 series of measurements reached 98%. No significant difference was found between the mean results of IRP, DCI, DL and CFV in 2 series of measurements (table 1). Conclusion No significant differences between studied HREM metrics in two series of measurements were found. The results of two series by 5 measurements within a study are reproducible. This may indicate the possibility of reducing the standard number of measurements. Reduction of time necessary for standard examination may allow additional time for functional tests (solid food swallows, RDC or MRS).

Normal Values of High-resolution Manometry Parameters With Provocative Maneuvers.

Background/AimsIncorporation of complementary and provocative test swallows to the high-resolution manometry (HRM) protocol offers potential to address limitations posed by HRM protocols that involve only a single swallow type. The aim of this study is to describe normal findings of a comprehensive HRM testing protocol performed on healthy asymptomatic volunteers.MethodsThirty healthy asymptomatic volunteers completed HRM with 5-mL liquid swallows in the supine position. They also completed 5-mL liquid swallows in the upright position, viscous swallows, solid test swallows, multiple rapid swallows, and a rapid drink challenge. HRM studies were analyzed via Chicago classification version 3.0.ResultsThe median (5th-95th percentiles) for integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on supine swallows was 11 (4-16) mmHg; IRP was lower than supine on upright liquid 9 (0-17) mmHg, viscous 6 (0-15) mmHg, solid 9 (1-19) mmHg, multiple rapid swallows 3 (0-12) mmHg, and rapid drink challenge 5 (–3-12) mmHg; P < 0.005. While an “elevated” IRP value was observed on 1 to 2 test maneuvers in 8/30 (27%) subjects, all 30 subjects had an IRP value < 12 mmHg on at least one of the test maneuvers.ConclusionsNormal values and findings from a comprehensive HRM testing protocol are reported based on evaluation of 30 healthy asymptomatic volunteers. Isolated “abnormalities” of IRP and contractile parameters were observed in the majority (80%) of these asymptomatic subjects, while all subjects also had normal features observed. Thus, the definition of “normal” should be recalibrated to focus on the entirety of the study and not individual metrics.

Submental MechanoMyoGraphy (MMG) to Characterize the Swallowing Signature

Objectivescurrently, only tracheostomy is available for people who have had a total laryngectomy, and no solution exist for people with swallowing disorders. Yet, muscles activity produces measurable vibrations, known as MechanoMyoGraphy (MMG), and is regarded as the mechanical counterpart of electromyography. Besides, we have already shown the possibility to control an artificial urinary sphincter with the MMG signal measured in the abdomen [1]. Therefore, the goal of this long-term work is to use this method to allow to predict a deglutition and command an active artificial larynx. So, the present paper analyses the MMG signal acquired in the submental area, which contains anterior suprahyoid (SH) muscles and the floor of the tongue. Indeed, one function of SH muscles is to support the tongue, which in turn is highly involved in the propulsive phase of swallowing and follow a relatively stereotypical pattern. Lastly, the localization of the bolus is of prime interest to defines the ultimate and available detection times. Thus, the swallowing sound was also recorded on the throat, as it has been shown to allow to locate the bolus. Material and methodswe recorded MMG and swallowing sound signals with tow accelerometers in submental area and the throat of 39 people. Each participant completed water, saliva and solid food swallow, seated on a chair, and was asked to remain still. Four benchmarks were place in the signals to differentiate swallowing phases and signal's components and timings. We also looked for any influence of age, height and weight in corresponding timings. Resultsa characteristic pattern has been registered in most of recordings. The benchmarks allowed to display a minimum average available time of 0.324 sec (0.125–0.786). Age and weight had a noticeable impact on the timings. Conclusionthese findings hint toward the possible detection of swallowing via MMG signals from submental area.

Chicago classification version 4.0© technical review: Update on standard high-resolution manometry protocol for the assessment of esophageal motility.

The Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) is the updated classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high-resolution manometry (HRM). A key feature of CCv.4.0 is the more rigorous and expansive protocol that incorporates single wet swallows acquired in different positions (supine, upright) and provocative testing, including multiple rapid swallows and rapid drink challenge. Additionally, solid bolus swallows, solid test meal, and/or pharmacologic provocation can be used to identify clinically relevant motility disorders and other conditions (eg, rumination) that occur during and after meals. The acquisition and analysis for performing these tests and the evidence supporting their inclusion in the Chicago Classification protocol is detailed in this technical review. Provocative tests are designed to increase the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of HRM studies for disorders of esophageal motility. These changes attempt to minimize ambiguity in prior iterations of Chicago Classification, decrease the proportion of HRM studies that deliver inconclusive diagnoses and increase the number of patients with a clinically relevant diagnosis that can direct effective therapy. Another aim in establishing a standard manometry protocol for motility laboratories around the world is to facilitate procedural consistency, improve diagnostic reliability, and promote collaborative research.

Diagnosis of Dysphagia: High Resolution Manometry & EndoFLIP

Esophageal motility disorders were re-defined when high-resolution manometry was employed to better understand their pathogenesis. Newly developed parameters including integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral, and distal latency showed better diagnostic yield compared with previously used conventional parameters. Therefore, Chicago classification was formulated, and its diagnostic cascade begins by assessing the IRP value. However, IRP showed limitation due to its inconsistency, and other studies have tried to overcome this. Recent studies showed that provocative tests, supplementing the conventional esophageal manometry protocol, have improved the diagnostic yield of the esophageal motility disorders. Therefore, position change from supine to upright, solid or semi-solid swallowing, multiple rapid swallows, and the rapid drink challenge were newly added to the manometry protocol in the revised Chicago classification version 4.0. Impedance planimetry enables measurement of bag cross-sectional area at various locations. The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) has been applied to assess luminal distensibility. This probe can also measure pressure, serial cross-sectional areas, and tension-strain relationship. The esophagogastric junction's distensibility is decreased in achalasia. Therefore, EndoFLIP can be used to assess contractility and distensibility of the esophagus in the patients with achalasia, including repetitive antegrade or retrograde contractions. EndoFLIP can detect achalasia patients with relatively low IRP, which was difficult to diagnose using the current high-resolution manometry. EndoFLIP also provides information on the contractile activity and distensibility of the esophageal body in patients with achalasia. The use of provocative tests, newly added in Chicago classification 4.0 version, and EndoFLIP can expand understanding of esophageal motility disorders.