Timed Barium Swallow Research Articles

Imaging following endoscopic and surgical treatment of achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by absent esophageal peristalsis associated with failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Patients with achalasia may present with long-standing and slowly progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids, heartburn, regurgitation, refractory reflux symptoms and noncardiac chest pain. The esophagram and the timed barium swallow are useful imaging studies that may contribute to the diagnosis of achalasia and may be used to determine improvement after treatment. Esophagography is also ideally suited to evaluate potential post treatment complications. Treatment options for achalasia aim to disrupt the high-pressure LES to improve esophageal emptying, improve symptoms and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. The most common treatment options currently include esophageal botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy (often performed in conjunction with a fundoplication) and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Potential complications of these procedures may include intramural dissection, leak, scarring and fibrosis of the lower esophagus, strictures and problems related to gastroesophageal reflux and its associated complications. Radiologists must be aware of expected findings and potential complications following these procedures for timely and accurate diagnoses. The purpose of this paper is to describe treatment options for achalasia, illustrate expected imaging findings as well as imaging findings of potential early and long-term complications following treatment for achalasia.

Achalasia: beyond the basics

Achalasia is a rare oesophageal disease characterised by an unrelaxing lower oesophageal sphincter and abnormal peristalsis of the oesophageal body. Achalasia symptoms include dysphagia to solid and liquid, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss. Achalasia diagnosis might be delayed for many years when atypical symptoms dominate. Significant progress has been made over the last two decades regarding our understanding of pathophysiology, methods of evaluation and management. The development of high-resolution manometry in particular has improved the diagnosis of achalasia, as well as other major motility disorders. Subtyping achalasia into manometric patterns has pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. Furthermore, complementary tests such as timed barium swallow and the functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP; Crospon Medical Devices, Galway, Ireland) have significantly added to achalasia diagnosis algorithm and management decision-making. Progression in management has helped optimise established therapy (pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy) and introduced new endoscopic treatments (peroral endoscopic myotomy) and surgical techniques (surgical robotic Heller myotomy). This review will aim to shed light on the most recent advances in achalasia diagnosis, classification and management.

A202 A CASE OF MYCOBACTERIUM WOLINSKYI PULMONARY INFECTION SECONDARY TO LONG-STANDING ACHALASIA IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT

Abstract Background Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder resulting in chronic esophageal obstruction and stasis. Rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM) pulmonary infections have been previously observed in individuals with underlying gastro-esophageal motility disorders. To date, pulmonary Mycobacterium wolinskyi infection (MWI) in the setting of achalasia has not previously been reported. Aims Our aim is to present a novel case of M. wolinskyi pneumonia in a patient with achalasia. We also searched the medical literature to identify previously reported associations between achalasia, chronic regurgitation symptoms and MWI. M. wolinskyi is an emerging clinical concern among RGMs. While primarily associated with post-operative, prosthetic joint and skin and soft tissue infections, M. wolinskyi pulmonary infections have not been documented to date in an immunocompetent patient. Methods We present a retrospective clinical case description of our case. We carried out a literature review from 1999 to Oct 2023, with the keywords "M. wolinskyi and infection. Results A 34-year-old male presented with a several-month history of productive cough, exertional dyspnea, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss of 17 kg over the past 6 months. Despite multiple courses of oral and intravenous antibiotics, there was no clinical improvement. His medical history included long-standing achalasia requiring previous pneumatic dilations. On admission, his chest X-ray revealed bilateral interstitial and alveolar infiltrates with consolidation. Routine microbiology and viral panels were negative. CT scan showed widespread bilateral consolidation and a dilated and fluid-filled esophagus. A timed barium swallow demonstrated dilated esophagus with irregular tertiary contractions and limited GE-J opening. Sputum cultures were positive for MWI on day 8 of admission (BACTEC MGIT). This was confirmed with lung biopsy demonstrating MWI with necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. The patient was prescribed a 12-month course of doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Inpatient pneumatic dilation to 35 mm was performed. At discharge, his swallowing was subjectively improved, and a follow-up swallowing study noted improvement with no evidence of regurgitation. Conclusions Chronic esophageal obstruction provides an ideal lipid-rich environment for RGM infections. Related mycobacterial species have been isolated in pulmonary infections have been linked to chronic esophageal obstruction. To date, no cases of M. wolinskyi pulmonary infection with achalasia have been reported. We present a unique case of M. wolinskyi pulmonary infection in an immunocompetent patient with chronic achalasia, adding to our understanding of this emerging clinical concern. Funding Agencies None

How to effectively use and interpret the barium swallow: Current role in esophageal dysphagia.

The barium swallow is a commonly performed investigation, though recent decades have seen major advances in other esophageal diagnostic modalities. The purpose of this review is to clarify the rationale for components of the barium swallow protocol, provide guidance on interpretation of findings, and describe the current role of the barium swallow in the diagnostic paradigm for esophageal dysphagia in relation to other esophageal investigations. The barium swallow protocol, interpretation, and reporting terminology are subjective and non-standardized. Common reporting terminology and an approach to their interpretation are provided. A timed barium swallow (TBS) protocol provides more standardized assessment of esophageal emptying but does not evaluate peristalsis. Barium swallow may have higher sensitivity than endoscopy for detecting subtle strictures. Barium swallow has lower overall accuracy than high-resolution manometry for diagnosing achalasia but can help secure the diagnosis in cases of equivocal manometry. TBS has an established role in objective assessment of therapeutic response in achalasia and helps identify the cause of symptom relapse. Barium swallow has a role in the evaluating manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, in some cases helping to identify where it represents an achalasia-like syndrome. Barium swallow should be performed in dysphagia following bariatric or anti-reflux surgery, to assess for both structural and functional postsurgical abnormality. Barium swallow remains a useful investigation in esophageal dysphagia, though its role has evolved due to advancements in other diagnostics. Current evidence-based guidance regarding its strengths, weaknesses, and current role are described in this review.

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

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

Novel description on esophageal timed barium swallow: a correlation between advanced parametrization and esophageal X-ray images.

The TBS-derived image processing method, based on the observer's diagnosis, has been developed in the current investigation. Image parametrization is proposed for both novel description and convergent shreds of evidence. Condensed X-ray images of the esophageal timed barium swallow (TBS) provide substantial implications for elucidating the pathophysiological dimensions of esophageal motility disorders. Through the simultaneous study on TBS and high-resolution manometry (HRM) findings, we performed a retrospective cohort study on 252 patients from March 2018 to October 2019. Interventions, irrelevant information, and insufficient patient data were excluded. Only subjects with adequate data and acceptable test accuracy were considered for participation. We reviewed 117 Dicom (digital imaging and communications in medicine) X-ray images from patients with confirmed diagnoses of achalasia type II, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), or non-achalasia. The results suggested a cut-off level of 47% in DDi (dilated diameter index) as a sign of the dilated body. In achalasia type II patients (n=66 images), the mean DDi was 55.6%. Our method presented a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 93% compared to images of the non-achalasia findings. The mean DDi in EGJOO patients was 50.4%, according to the 27 images. Moreover, results from EGJOO patients provided a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 87%. TBS is an efficacious method and a prominent component in the process of achalasia diagnosis. Standard parametrization might develop radiological exports proposed by DDi. Our method could assist in obtaining a non-invasive medical diagnosis and help advance diagnostic reports to identify achalasia subtypes somewhat earlier. To the best of our knowledge, this interface is an innovative parametrization for TBS image review.

Redo laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication versus rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia after failed Heller myotomy: a single-institution experience.

To compare the surgical outcomes of redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure and rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy for patients with failed Heller myotomy. We identified patients who had undergone redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure or rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy from August 1996 to September 2019 and assessed the patients' characteristics, timed barium swallow results, symptom scores before/after surgery, surgical outcomes, and postoperative outcomes. Eleven patients underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure, and 14 underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy. Blood loss (p = 0.001) and intraoperative complications rate (p = 0.003) were lower and the operative time (p > 0.001) and observation period (p = 0.009) shorter in patients who underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy than in patients who underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure. Patients who underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy had a higher rate of postoperative reflux esophagitis (p = 0.033) than those who underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure. After the interventions, the dysphagia symptoms were improved for both groups. Furthermore, both groups expressed satisfaction with their respective procedures. Rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy was associated with better surgical outcomes than redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor for patients with failed Heller myotomy. However, rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy had higher rates of postoperative reflux esophagitis.

178 RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING ANGLE OF HIS ACCENTUATION WITH TOUPET FUNDOPLICATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC HELLERS MYOTOMY: INTERIM RESULTS

Abstract Laparoscopic Heller’s Cardiomyotomy (LHCM) is the surgical treatment of choice for achalasia. Addition of an antireflux procedure is recommended to reduce the postoperative reflux. However, there is no consensus regarding the ideal antireflux procedure. In an earlier study we have shown that Angle of His accentuation (AOH) is similar to Dor fundoplication. In this study we present the interim results of an RCT comparing AOH with Toupet fundoplication as an adjunct to LHCM. Methods Patients of Achalasia cardia presenting after October 2017 were randomised to receive either AOH or Toupet following Heller cardiomyotomy based on computer generated random sequence. Primary outcome was incidence of post-operative symptomatic reflux and esophagitis on endoscopy. Secondary outcome was relief of dysphagia and Achalasia specific health related Quality of life assessment (ASHRQoL). Symptom scores for dysphagia, regurgitation and heartburn as well as ASHRQoL were noted pre operatively and at 3 monthly intervals. Objective evaluation was done using timed barium swallow, Upper GI endoscopy and oesophageal manometry. Data was recorded on excel spreadsheet and analysis done using SPSS v5. Results A total of 52 patients (25 Toupet, 27 AOH) were included in the analysis. All patients were successfully operated laparoscopically with no conversions, intraoperative perforations or perioperative mortality. The mean operative duration was 128 min in the AOH group and 146 min in the Toupet group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). There was significant improvement in symptom scores as well as objective parameters in both groups with no difference between the 2 groups at a mean follow-up of 6 months (5-9 months; Table 1). 3 patients in AOH group (11%) and 4(16%) patients had new onset reflux with esophagitis in 2 patients in each group. Conclusion AOH is technically easier and can be performed in a shorter time. The symptom relief is similar in both groups with similar incidence of heartburn and esophagitis in the short term. A longer follow up is recommended in a larger number of patients.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is equally safe and highly effective treatment option in achalasia patients with both lower and higher ASA classification status.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system was developed as a simple categorization of patients' physiological status that predicts the operative risk. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a less invasive alternative to surgical myotomy in achalasia. As such, POEM seems to be an appealing option for high-risk patients with achalasia. However, there are no studies which systematically analyzed the outcomes of POEM among patients with different ASA classes. Hence, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of POEM in patients with lower and higher ASA classes. Medical records of all achalasia patients who underwent POEM at our institution between April 2014 and May 2019 were reviewed. Patients were categorized arbitrarily into two groups, lower ASA class (ASA I and II combined) and higher ASA class (ASA class III and IV combined). Demographic and procedural details, timed barium swallow (TBE), high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM), pH study findings and Eckardt scores were compared between the two groups. Baseline characteristics were compared using Chi-square test and two-sample t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A total of 144 patients met our study criteria (lower ASA class, n = 44; and higher ASA class, n = 100). Patients in higher ASA class were significantly more obese and older. More patients in lower ASA class had prior Heller myotomy and more patients in higher ASA Class had prior botulinum toxin injections. Procedural parameters were similar in both groups. Procedural complications were infrequent and were also similar in the two groups. The length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, reflux symptoms and esophageal pH study findings were also comparable between the two groups. Treatment success was similar in both groups, 97.7% in lower ASA class versus 92% in higher ASA class (p = 0.19). At 2-month follow-up, both groups had significant improvement in HREM and TBE parameters. POEM is a very safe and highly effective treatment option for achalasia patients with advanced ASA class similar to lower ASA class patients. POEM may be considered as the preferred choice for myotomy in these high-risk achalasia patients due to its low morbidity and high efficacy.

Leiomyomatosis masquerading as sigmoid achalasia: a rare occurrence.

A 34-year-old man presented with an 8-year history of dysphagia to solids and regurgitation. Evaluation by using timed barium swallow and esophageal manometry suggested a diagnosis of type I achalasia with a sigmoid configuration of the esophagus (Fig. 1). Gastroscopy revealed a dilated and tortuous esophagus with no significant resistance at the gastroesophageal junction. Peroral endoscopic myotomy was performed in this case via the posterior route (5 o’clock) using the standard technique.

Achalasia: physiology and diagnosis.

Achalasia is a rare motility disorder with incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and ineffective contractions of the esophageal body. It has been hypothesized that achalasia does not result from only one pathway but rather involves a combination of infectious, autoimmune, and familial etiological components. On the basis of other observations, a novel hypothesis suggests that a muscular form of eosinophilic esophagitis is involved in the pathophysiology of achalasia in some patients. This appears to progressively diminish the myenteric plexus at stage III, gradually destroy it at stage II, and finally eliminate it at stage I, the most advanced and final stage of achalasia. Although high-resolution manometry has identified these three different types of achalasia, another subset of patients with a normal-appearing sphincter relaxation has been proposed. Provocative maneuvers, such as the rapid drinking challenge, have recently been demonstrated to improve diagnosis in certain borderline patients, but have to be studied in more detail. However, whether the different types of achalasia will have a long-term impact on tailored therapies is still a matter of debate. Additionally, novel aspects of the standard timed barium swallow appear to be an important adjunct of diagnosis, as it has been shown to have a diagnostic as well as a predictive value.

Timed barium swallow for assessing long-term treatment response in patients with achalasia: Absolute cutoff versus percent change - A cross-sectional analytic study.

Timed barium swallow (TBS) assesses esophageal emptying before and after therapy in patients with achalasia. Our aim was to compare the accuracy of percent change in barium height with traditional absolute cutoff of <5cm on post-treatment TBS. Consecutive patients with treatment naïve achalasia treated with either PD, HM, or POEM between 1/2012 and 7/2017 were eligible for inclusion. The accuracy of percent change in pre- and post-treatment barium height at 5minutes versus an absolute <5cm cutoff for assessing treatment response was assessed using the receiver operating curve analysis (ROC). Eighty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The median percent change in barium heights at five minutes in patients who did not improve was 6 percent increase (n=10; mean 10.6) versus 78 percent decrease (n=71; mean 64) in patients who improved (P=0.0001). The AUC for percent change in TBS 5 minutes height was 76% (95% CI 48% to 90%), and a 3% decrease from baseline as a cutoff had a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 99%. The AUC for post-treatment TBS 5 minutes height was 79% (95% CI 53% to 91%), and the 5cm cutoff had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75%. The results show that 3% percent improvement in pre- and post-treatment barium height at 5 minutes rather than absolute cutoff value of <5cm on post-treatment TBS is a better indicator of treatment success in achalasia patients. These findings indicate the need for reassessment of tools to identify treatment response.

386 LAPAROSCOPIC HELLERS MYOTOMY AND ANGLE OF HIS ACCENTUATION FOR ACHALASIA CARDIA: 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE FROM A SINGLE SURGICAL CENTRE.

Abstract Achalasia is a rare disease with Laparoscopic Hellers cardio-myotomy (LHCM) being the gold standard surgical modality. An antireflux procedure is required along with myotomy to decrease the chances of reflux postoperatively. We have performed Angle of His Accentuation (AOH) as an anti-reflux procedure in 126 patients who underwent LHCM since 2010. This study presents the symptomatic and objective outcomes of LHCM with AOH. Methods Review of prospectively collected data of patients with Achalasia cardia undergoing LHCM with AOH from 2010–2019. Subjective symptoms were scored for dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and quality of life using scoring systems mentioned in table 1 and Achalasia specific health related Quality of life questionnaire (ASHRQoL). Objective tests included Timed Barium swallow, Endoscopy and high-resolution manometry. Patients were evaluated in pre and postoperative period at regular intervals. Success was defined as follows: Eckardt score of ≤3, Dysphagia score of 0/1, Regurgitation and heartburn score of 0, &amp;gt;50% clearance on timed barium swallow, IRP &amp;lt;15 and absence of esophagitis. Results 126 patients were operated during the study period with no mortality or conversion. Mean age was 33.5(years), symptom duration 49.8(months), 31 had preoperative dilatation. The mean operative time was 131 (minutes). Subjective outcome was available in all patients &amp; objective data in 66. At median follow of 31 months (IQR 15–59) outcomes significantly improved (Table 1) with 93% having dysphagia relief. 14 (11%) had new onset heartburn; 6(4.7%) needed regular proton pump inhibitors. ASHRQoL improved significantly (59.51 to 19.57). Pre&amp;post-operative IRP, Timed Barium and endoscopy available in 66,39 and 62 patients improved significantly. 6(9.6%) patients had endoscopic evidence of esophagitis (LA-A 3, B/C 3). Conclusion Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Angle of His accentuation is safe simple and effective procedure for Achalasia cardia. It provides significant relief of symptoms, improvement in quality of life and improvement in objective parameters. Post- operative heartburn and esophagitis is acceptable. We recommend Angle of His accentuation as an adjunct to Laparoscopic Heller myotomy.

Diagnosis and treatment of achalasia — a review of foreign literature

Introduction. The interest in achalasia has signifi cantly increased with the advent of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. New methods are introduced several years earlier abroad than in Russia, prospective randomized trials are conducted more often, based on the results of which clinical recommendations are established. Therefore, the authors of this article provide an extensive review of foreign literature devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, which refl ects not only current trends, but also those areas to which researchers of past years paid attention.Results. Traditional and new diagnostic methods (timed barium swallow and high-resolution manometry) are described. The Chicago classifi cation of esophageal motility disorders version 3.0 is given. The whole spectrum of treatment of esophageal achalasia — conservative and surgical methods with analysis of immediate and long-term results, including the comparison of these methods and with the combined use of several techniques in one patient is presented. The complex problem of choosing a treatment method for the end-stage achalasia is considered. For key points in diagnosing and treating the disease, clinical guidelines on achalasia published in 2020 (European Guideline on Achalasia — UEG and ESNM recommendations) are presented.Conclusion. Esophageal achalasia is a chronic disease, for the treatment of which there is still no consensus. Balloon pneumatic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy and laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication are safe and highly eff ective and can be recommended for the treatment of achalasia. Currently, there is a gradual transition to a less invasive initial treatment of the end-stage achalasia, but large multicenter and randomized clinical trials are necessary to obtain fi nal data on various treatment options.

The timed barium swallow and its relationship to symptoms in achalasia: Analysis of surface area and emptying rate.

Timed barium swallow (TBS) is used to objectively measure response following achalasia therapy; however, findings can be discordant with symptoms. We hypothesized that measurement of surface area of the residual barium column would improve its utility in measuring outcome. In a single-center cohort, achalasia patients undergoing therapy between September 2015-2016 who had TBS were included. Four metrics of emptying were studied: Post-therapy residual barium (a) absolute height and (b) surface area and percentage reduction in (c) residual height (%H) and (d) surface area (%SA) compared to pretherapy. Metrics were evaluated against symptom response (Eckardt score). Twenty-four achalasics (median age 43year; 13 males) were included; 14 received pneumatic dilatation, and 10 had peroral endoscopic myotomy. Treatment resulted in significant reduction in median Eckardt score (7 to 1; P=.03), mean residual barium column height (14.7±8.7 to 7.9±6.0cm; P=.01) and surface area (52.7±43.5 to 24.5±23.6cm2 ; P=.02). There were 4 (17%) initial non-responders (Eckardt>3). % SA was best at discriminating between responders and non-responders (area under curve 0.85±0.08; sensitivity 100%, specificity 80%). Concordance with symptomatic response following therapy was 83% when using 45% as the cutoff for surface area reduction compared to pretherapy. Eight patients whose static barium height was discordant with symptoms became concordant when % SA was used as a measure of response. Change in barium surface area is a superior measure of esophageal emptying and better correlates with treatment response than the conventional 5-minute barium height in defining objective response to achalasia therapy.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is highly effective for achalasia patients with recurrent symptoms after pneumatic dilatation.

Previous interventions in achalasia such as pneumatic dilation (PD) might lead to difficulties with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) along with sub-optimal outcomes. There are limited data in the literature on outcomes of POEM after PD, especially from the western hemisphere. Hence, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of POEM for recurrent symptoms after PD compared to treatment naïve achalasia patients. Medical records of achalasia patients who underwent POEM at our institution between April 2014 and October 2019 were reviewed. Patients who had POEM for recurrent symptoms after prior PD were matched at 1:2 ratio with treatment naïve achalasia patients using propensity score matching. Patients who had prior Heller myotomy were excluded. Patient demographics, Eckardt scores, timed barium swallow (TBE), high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM), and pH study findings were compared between the two groups, pre- and 2months post-POEM. Treatment success was defined as reduction of Eckardt score to ≤ 3. A total of 39 patients (prior PD = 13; treatment naïve = 26) were included. Patient demographics, procedural, and peri-procedural outcomes were similar in both groups. Treatment success was similar in both groups, 100.0% in prior PD vs 91.7% in treatment naïve group (p = 0.53). On adjusted analysis, there was no significant difference in the pre-post-POEM improvement in Eckardt scores, TBE, and HREM parameters in the two groups. Gastroesophageal reflux disease rates were also similar in both groups. In achalasia with recurrent symptoms after PD, POEM is a safe and highly effective treatment modality. Prior PD does not seem to influence the outcomes or efficacy of POEM.

Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction: Current Approach to Diagnosis and Management.

We summarize the current epidemiology, presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). We also propose a treatment algorithm based upon the literature and our personal clinical experience. EGJOO can be caused by functional obstruction (akin to achalasia), mechanical obstruction, medications, or artifact. High-resolution esophageal manometry is currently the gold standard of diagnosis. Recent research on FLIP (functional lumen imaging probe) and timed barium support use as adjunctive testing. The diagnostic yield of cross-sectional imaging is low. Current diagnostic testing and treatment should be targeted to the suspected underlying etiology and clinical presentation of EGJOO. If functional obstruction is present with significant and persistent dysphagia, and either an abnormal FLIP or timed barium swallow, we consider therapy aimed at LES disruption (similar to achalasia). Pharmacologic therapy has a limited role. More research is needed on diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Functional assessment of achalasia

The treatment of achalasia is dependent on evaluation of esophageal function of patients with this progressive disorder. This begins with an evaluation of its symptoms and their severity. The Eckardt scale is the most widely used, though it has limitations. Timed barium swallow evaluation provides a simple inexpensive means to evaluate esophageal emptying across a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter, before and after therapy. High resolution esophageal manometry has improved our ability to assess both esophageal body and sphincteric function. It has allowed identification of manometric phenotypes, which help prognosticate response to therapy. Esophageal impedance measurements of liquid swallows and esophageal emptying are a new and promising advance. Endoscopic ultrasound can measure esophageal muscle thickness, but has an adjunctive role mainly aimed at excluding structural abnormalities, such as malignancy causing secondary achalasia.

Long-term outcomes following POEM for non-achalasia motility disorders of the esophagus.

Optimal treatment for symptomatic patients with non-achalasia motility disorders (NAD) such as diffuse esophageal spasm, esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction, and hypercontractile disorder is not well established. POEM has been offered to these patients since it is a less invasive and less morbid procedure but long-term outcomes remain undetermined. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of POEM for patients with NAD. Records of 40 consecutive patients undergoing POEM for NAD from May 2011 to January 2016 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative symptom scores, high-resolution manometry, pH testing, and timed barium swallow (TBS) data were collected. Patients were contacted by phone to obtain long-term symptom assessment. Symptoms were assessed using a standardized symptom questionnaire with scores for symptoms graded according to frequency and the Eckardt score. Ten percent had minor complications with no postoperative sequelae. 90% of patients had significant improvement in their mean Eckardt scores (5.02 vs. 1.12, p < 0.001) at early follow-up. Improvements in chest pain (1.02-0.36, p = 0.001) and dysphagia (2.20 vs. 0.40, p = 0.001) were seen. Significant improvements in manometric pressures and esophageal emptying on TBS were observed across groups. 38% (10/26) of patients had a postoperative pH score > 14.72. Long-term (median 48 months) symptom scores were obtained from 29 (72.5%) patients. 82% of patients (24/29) had sustained symptom improvement. A small increase in the dysphagia scores was reported in the long-term follow-up compared to the immediate postoperative period (0.36-0.89, p = 0.046). Chest pain and dysphagia are effectively palliated with POEM in patients with non-achalasia disorders of the esophagus. Significant improvements are durable in long-term follow-up. Despite earlier reports by our group suggesting possible inferior outcomes from POEM for this difficult group of patients, this study is far more encouraging. POEM should be considered in the treatment of patients with non-achalasia disorders of the esophagus.

Mo1535 - The Diagnostic Utility of Timed Barium Swallow in Separating Responders from Non-Responders to Treatment of Achalasia with Pneumatic Dilation, Heller Myotomy or Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (Poem)

Mo1535 - The Diagnostic Utility of Timed Barium Swallow in Separating Responders from Non-Responders to Treatment of Achalasia with Pneumatic Dilation, Heller Myotomy or Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (Poem)