Modern insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of pseudoachalasia.

BACKGROUND: Secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia is a clinical presentation undistinguishable from achalasia in terms of symptoms, manometric, and radiographic findings, but associated with different and identifiable underlying causes. METHODS: A literature review was conducted on the PubMed database restricting results to the English language. Key terms used were "achalasia-like" with 63 results, "secondary achalasia" with 69 results, and "pseudoachalasia" with 141 results. References of the retrieved papers were also manually reviewed. RESULTS: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudoachalasia is a rare disease. Most available evidence regarding this condition is based on case reports or small retrospective series. There are different causes but all culminating in outflow obstruction. Clinical presentation and image and functional tests overlap with primary achalasia or are inaccurate, thus the identification of secondary achalasia can be delayed. Inadequate diagnosis leads to futile therapies and could worsen prognosis, especially in neoplastic disease. Routine screening is not justifiable; good clinical judgment still remains the best tool. Therapy should be aimed at etiology. Even though Heller's myotomy brings the best results in non-malignant cases, good clinical judgment still remains the best tool as well.

A complex case of dysphagia with dual aetiology.

A woman in her early 60s was referred with dysphagia and chest pain to a tertiary referral centre specialising in oesophageal disorders. Cardiac symptom origin and sinister oesophageal pathology had been excluded at her local hospital in NHS Scotland. Under multidisciplinary team oversight, reinvestigation of mucosal pathology and oesophageal motility ultimately uncovered both Type III achalasia and eosinophilic oesophagitis. This case demonstrates the benefit of including provocative testing during high-resolution manometry to reproduce relevant dysphagia and the importance of stopping proton-pump inhibitors long enough to uncover excessive eosinophils which could otherwise be masked. Ultimately, tailored management for both conditions separately was required to achieve symptoms resolution.

Integrative diagnostics of the gastro-intestinal tract - gastroesophageal reflux and constipation in practice.

Common disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as gastroesophageal reflux/disease (GER/D) and constipation, are frequent causes for seeking medical support in infants. Diagnostic workup must ensure that diagnosed diseases are responsible for such complaints, thus enabling appropriate therapy. In this context assessment consists of clinical examination, functional tests, and imaging, which should be done in a staged manner. Close cooperation between clinicians and clinical radiologists enables optimal diagnostics, thus forming the basis for appropriate therapy.

[Chinese expert consensus on colonic and anorectal manometry (2023 edition)].

Colonic and anorectal manometry includes anorectal manometry and colonic manometry. Anorectal manometry is a common method to evaluate anorectal function, which can objectively reflect the pathological and physiological abnormalities of outlet obstructive constipation and fecal incontinence, as well as the impact of anorectal surgery on continence. Colonic manometry is a new type of colon motility detection method developed in recent years. It can record the peristalsis and contraction of the whole colon through a pressure measuring catheter, which helps physicians further evaluate various colonic diseases. However, various factors such as testing equipment, operating standards, and evaluation parameters are difficult to unify. There is no consensus on the operation and interpretation of colorectal anal pressure measurement. Under the guidance of the Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, in collaboration with Clinical Guidelines Committee, Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Anorectal motility disorders Committee , Colorectal Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Colonic Branch of China international exchange and promotive association for medical and healthcare, Tianjin Union Medical Center is leading the organization of domestic experts in this field. Based on searching relevant literature and combining clinical experience at home and abroad, after multiple discussions, the "Chinese expert consensus on colonic and anorectal manometry" has been prepared. This consensus discusses the indications, contraindications, pre examination management and technical procedures, treatment of complications, and interpretation of examination reports for colonic and anorectal manometry , aiming to guide the standardized clinical practice of colonic and anorectal manometry.

Rectal sensitivity and associated factors in patients with different subtypes of functional defecation disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate rectal sensitivity and associated factors in patients with different subtypes of functional defecation disorder (FDD). METHODS: We segregated individuals diagnosed with FDD into two groups based on their defecation patterns: those with dyssynergic defecation and those with inadequate defecatory propulsion. We gathered general information through questionnaires and assessed rectal sensitivity using anorectal manometry. The rectal sensitivity performances of the two groups were compared; the factors related to rectal sensitivity were analyzed to determine the factors associated with rectal sensitivity, and the effect of biofeedback therapy on rectal sensitivity was clarified. RESULTS: Rectal sensitivity in different subtypes of FDD decreased, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P  > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the first constant sensation volume, defecatory desire volume, and maximum tolerable volume between the different subtypes of FDD ( P  > 0.05). Multi-factor binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, constipation symptom score, and diabetes were all independent risk factors for decreased rectal sensitivity ( P  < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the prior- and post-biofeedback therapy in the first constant sensation volume, defecatory desire volume, and maximum tolerable volume ( P  > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rectal sensitivity in different subtypes of FDD decreased. Age, constipation symptom score, and diabetes were independent risk factors for decreased rectal sensitivity. Short-term biofeedback therapy did not improve rectal hyposensitivity in patients with FDD.

[Recurrent acute pancreatitis secondary to sphincter of oddi dysfunction: Case report]. / Pancreatitis aguda recurrente secundaria a disfunción del esfínter de oddi: Reporte de caso.

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) is a rare pathology that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with biliary pain episodes or recurrent acute pancreatitis and a background of cholecystectomy. Generally, these are patients with multiple consultations where this pathology has considerably affected their quality of life. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, serological markers and supporting diagnostic tests requested according to the suspected sphincteric component. The most effective treatment is endoscopic sphincterotomy. The use of prosthesis is accepted but debated. We present the case of a male patient in his forties who consulted for multiple episodes of recurrent acute pancreatitis with etiology studies suspecting dysfunction of the pancreatic sphincter of Oddi and who was taken to endoscopic management with improvement of his clinical picture.

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

OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of acotiamide in patients with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction: study protocol for an investigator-initiated, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: We have determined that the impaired accommodation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) underlies the pathogenesis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). We have also found that acotiamide may treat EGJOO by improving impaired LES accommodation. The effects of acotiamide in patients with EGJOO need to be further confirmed in a prospective study. METHODS: This trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to compare the efficacy and safety of acotiamide (300 mg/day or 600 mg/day) with those of a placebo in the treatment of patients with EGJOO. The primary endpoint will be the proportion of patients who report an improvement in symptom of food sticking in the chest after 4 weeks of treatment period 1. The secondary endpoints will be the proportion of patients with normalized integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), the value of change from baseline in the distal contractile integral, basal LES pressure, EGJOO-quality of life score, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the correlation between IRP and each symptom score. During the 2-year trial period, 42 patients from five institutions will be enrolled. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide evidence to clarify the efficacy and safety of acotiamide as a treatment for patients with EGJOO. Acotiamide might help improve the quality of life of patients with EGJOO and is expected to prevent the progression of EGJOO to achalasia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Kyushu University Hospital as well as the local IRBs of the participating sites for clinical trials and registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT: 2071210072). The registration date is on October 11, 2021.

Dysphagia.

Dysphagia is an important clinical symptom that increases in prevalence with age. Both oropharyngeal and esophageal processes can contribute to dysphagia, and these can be differentiated with a careful history. Neuromuscular processes are more prevalent than structural causes in oropharyngeal dysphagia, therefore, investigation should start with a modified barium swallow. In contrast, structural processes dominate in esophageal dysphagia, and endoscopy can offer biopsy and therapy by way of dilation. Manometry is performed for esophageal dysphagia when no structural etiology is found. Specific management of dysphagia is dependent on the etiology and mechanism of dysphagia.

Defecatory disorders in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic constipation (CC) may be caused by defecatory disorders (DDs) and associated with reduced rectal sensation. Among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and CC (T1DCC patients), the prevalence of DDs and reduced rectal sensation is unknown. We sought to compare complications of T1D, anorectal dysfunction, and CC symptoms, among T1DCC patients with versus without a DD. METHODS: Anorectal pressures at rest and during squeeze and evacuation, as well as rectal sensation and rectal balloon expulsion time (BET) were measured with high-resolution anorectal manometry in 114 consecutive T1DCC patients. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (32%) had prolonged BET, suggestive of a DD. Complications of T1D included peripheral neuropathy (n = 67, 59%), retinopathy (n = 42, 37%), and nephropathy (n = 26, 23%). Among these complications, only retinopathy was associated with, that is, more prevalent in patients with normal (45%) than prolonged BET (19%). Compared with patients with normal BET, patients with prolonged BET had a lower rectal pressure (mean [SD], 32 [23] mm Hg vs. 23 [19] mm Hg, p = 0.03), greater anal pressure (91 [23] mm Hg vs. 68 [36] mm Hg, p < 0.001), and lower rectoanal gradient (-67 [30] mm Hg vs. -36 [32] mm Hg, p < 0.0001) during evacuation. Anal resting pressure and anal squeeze increment were below normal in 14 (13%) and 32 (29%) of patients and one or more rectal sensory thresholds were above normal in 34 (30%) patients; these abnormalities affected similar proportions in the normal and prolonged BET cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Among T1DCC patients, 37 (32%) had prolonged BET, which was associated with anorectal pressures indicative of a DD but was not associated with reduced rectal sensation, suggesting that DDs are more likely explained by abdomino-anal dyscoordination than visceral disturbance.

Achalasia: investigation and management.

Achalasia, characterised by the absence of peristalsis and failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, is an uncommon degenerative condition that results in dysphagia. If left untreated it can lead to aspiration, oesophageal perforation, oesophagitis and malnutrition. It has a range of immune, allergic, viral and genetic aetiological causes. Successful diagnosis relies on the use of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, barium swallow and oesophageal manometry to characterise the severity of the disease and to rule out underlying malignancy. Although no treatment can reverse the degenerative process, therapeutic strategies including lifestyle modification, medication, endoscopic and operative intervention can help to reduce symptoms. This article reviews the latest methods used to investigate and manage achalasia.

Relationship between pharyngeal or esophageal reconstruction and esophageal pressure after swallowing.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution manometry, which measures esophageal luminal pressure changes after swallowing, could shed more light on food-transport dynamics after pharyngeal/esophageal reconstruction. This prospective cohort study assessed the influence of two head-and-neck and esophageal tumor-resection and reconstruction approaches on esophageal pressure. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 17 patients who underwent esophageal/pharyngeal resection/reconstruction for cancer and then participated in postoperative high-resolution manometry. Five healthy controls also underwent manometry for comparison. RESULTS: Partial pharyngectomy with patch grafts associated with smooth and continuous esophageal/pharyngeal movement. By contrast, surgery that removed the thoracic esophagus led to complete loss of peristalsis and poor food transport. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution manometry effectively characterized the changes in food-transport dynamics caused by pharyngeal/esophageal resection/reconstruction. These findings suggest that continuous and smooth movement of the pharynx and esophagus is important for swallowing and high resolution manometry could be useful in patients after pharyngeal/esophageal resection/reconstruction.

The influence of supragastric belching severity on esophageal acid exposure and motility.

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) is a phenomenon where air is rapidly sucked from the pharynx into the esophagus and immediately expelled through abdominal straining. It is considered a behavior disorder and is increasingly recognized not only in patients with excessive belching, but also in those with reflux-like symptoms. Increased prevalence of esophageal hypomotility and increased acid exposure were previously reported in small cohorts of SGB patients. We aimed to clarify the impact of SGB on motility, reflux, and acid exposure in a large cohort of SGB patients. METHODS: In a single-center database study, we searched for patients with pathological SGB. MII-pH and Manometry tracings were manually re-evaluated in all patients. Demographic, clinical, motility, reflux, and SGB-related data were gathered. KEY RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-eight patients were included. Heartburn, belching, and regurgitation were the most common symptoms. Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) was found in 27% of patients. SGB related to 47% of all reflux and to 53.6% of acid reflux events, and accounted for 27.3% of acid exposure time (AET). In those with severe SGB, 62% of acid reflux events and 46% of AET were SGB-related. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Supragastric belching is common, associated with higher incidence of IEM and is responsible for almost a third of esophageal acid burden. The impact of SGB is proportional to its severity. Diagnosis of SGB should be sought in patients with excessive belching and in patients with refractory reflux symptoms. Recognizing SGB and treating patients with behavioral therapy may alleviate acid exposure and improve quality of life.

Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy is effective for rectal mucosal prolapse associated outlet obstructive constipation.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Outlet obstructive constipation (OOC) is a common type of chronic constipation that is usually caused by internal hemorrhoids (IH) and rectal mucosal prolapse (RMP). Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy (CAES) was demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of IH and RMP. This study explored the efficacy of CAES in treating OOC associated with IH and RMP. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (15 males and 16 females) were diagnosed with OOC after colonoscopy and anorectal manometry (AM). CAES was used to treat IH and RMP. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Wexner constipation score (WCS) were used to assess patients at baseline and at the end of follow-up. AM tests were performed before and after CAES. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 56.19 ± 7.969 years, and the follow-up time was 2.875 ± 3.703 months. After CAES treatment, subjective indices, including frequency of bowel movements (p < 0.05), defecation time (p < 0.05), SAS (p < 0.05), SDS (p < 0.05), and WCS (p < 0.05), were significantly improved. AM showed that the anal relaxation rate (p < 0.05), maximum squeeze pressure (p < 0.05), and rectal residual pressure (p < 0.05) were significantly improved. The ratio of Bristol stool form scale typeIII-Vincreased from 12.5 % to 56.25 % (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAES is effective for treating OOC caused by IH and RMP. The relief of OOC symptoms could improve anxiety and depression symptoms associated with the disease.

The Transdiaphragmatic Pressure Gradient and the Lower Esophageal Sphincter in the Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: an Analysis of 500 Esophageal Function Tests.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) pathophysiology is multifactorial. Greater importance has been attributed to a defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in comparison to an altered transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient (TPG). This study aims to evaluate the role of the TPG and LES disfunction in GERD pathogenesis. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive esophageal function tests from patients with clinically suspected GERD were reviewed. Patients were classified according to the pH monitoring in GERD positive or GERD negative. Abdominal pressure, thoracic pressure, TPG (abdominal-thoracic pressures), LES resting pressure (mid-respiratory, expiratory, and EGJ-CI), and LES retention pressure (LES resting pressure-TPG) were determined. RESULTS: GERD was present in 296 (59%) individuals. GERD-positive patients were mostly males. LES resting pressure (by all parameters) and thoracic pressure were not different between groups. Abdominal pressure and TPG were higher in GERD-positive patients. LES retention pressure (by all parameters) was lower in GERD-positive patients. DeMeester score had a positive correlation with LES resting pressure, TPG, and LES retention pressure (by all parameters) but not with abdominal pressure and thoracic pressure. CONCLUSIONS: LES valvular competency as measured by absolute resting pressure was not reliable to predict GERD; however, it was associated with GERD severity. Relative LES pressure (LES retention pressure) predicted GERD presence and severity, but no parameter showed superiority. TPG plays an important role in the pathophysiology of GERD since it is related to GERD presence and severity; still TPG is altered mostly based on a higher abdominal pressure.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism of transcutaneous neuromodulation on ineffective esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal motility disorder is one of the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinical and functional relationship between the ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and GERD have been found. PPI is a widely used drug of this diaease, but some patients have poor efficacy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of Transcutaneous Neuromodulation in these patients. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with GERD with IEM were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups, one group was TN ST-36 group, the other group was sham TN group. The GERD questionnaire (GerdQ), quality of life score, MOS item short from health survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess the severity of symptoms. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) test was performed to assess low esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and distal contractile integral (DCI). The heart rate variability (HRV) test was performed to assess autonomic nervous function. KEY RESULTS: Compared with sham TN, chronic TN treatment decreased the GERD-Q score (p < 0.001). The anxiety score (p = 0.058) and depression score (p = 0.156) were decreased, but there were no statistical differences. Chronic TN treatment also significantly improved the quality of life of patients, mainly in physical function, physical pain, overall health, vitality, social function, emotional function, and mental health. Acute TN treatment increased the DCI (p < 0.001) and LES pressure (p < 0.001) significantly and decreased the combined percentage of failed and weak peristalsis (p < 0.001). Concurrently, acute TN enhanced vagal activity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: IEM is an important link in the pathogenesis of GERD. Chronic TN treatment can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients. Acute TN treatment can significantly increase LES pressure and DCI and reduce the frequency of esophageal lost peristalsis and weak peristalsis. The improvement of esophageal motility in GERD patients with IEM by TN treatment may be related to the regulation of autonomic nervous function.

Assessment of manometric results following posterior pericervical repair or level I to III surgical procedures.

Constipation and obstructive bowel disorders are the most common symptoms of prolapse and posterior defects. Prolapse and obstructive defecation disorders are treated using various surgical techniques to repair posterior defects. This study aimed to evaluate the manometry results of patients before and after reconstructive surgery of the posterior compartment. This retrospective cohort study included 40 women with defecation disorders referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, an academic center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected through medical records and a checklist developed by the researcher before and after surgery. All analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26), with significance at p<0.05. Forty women with a mean age of 49.47±9.66 years participated in this study. The manometry results showed significant differences in patients before and after surgery in parameters such as maximum resting pressure, push test, constipation, straining during defecation, finger support necessity, sensation of incomplete defecation, dyspareunia, and husband's sexual satisfaction (p<0.001). In addition, all patients had a grade 2 or higher posterior compartment prolapse, which improved in all cases after surgery (p<0.0001). Patients' symptoms significantly improved during the 12-month follow-up after DeLancey level 3 to 1 surgery. This type of surgery proved to be an effective surgical intervention without significant complications in the short-term follow-up.

[Chinese expert consensus on clinical diagnosis and treatment of fecal incontinence (2022 edition)].

Fecal incontinence is one of the common diseases in the field of colorectal and anal surgery. Its etiology is complex, the treatment response is suboptimal, and there are controversies in clinical care. There is no consensus on the clinical practice of fecal incontinence in China currently. Launched by Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Expert Committee on Anorectal Disease of Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Clinical Guidelines Committee of Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and organized by the editorial board of Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chinese experts on this field were convened to write the Chinese expert consensus on clinical practice of fecal incontinence based on relevant references. After rounds of discussion, the final consensus combines the latest evidence and experts' clinical experience. This expert group suggested that a comprehensive assessment of fecal incontinence should be conducted before treatment, including medical history, relevant scales, physical examination and special examinations. Special examinations include anorectal endoscopy, anorectal manometry, transrectal ultrasound, magnetic resonance, rectal sensation and compliance, balloon ejection test, pelvic floor electromyography, defecography, colonoscopy and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Treatment methods include life style modification, medication, surgery, traditional Chinese medicine and other treatments. This consensus aims to standardize the algorithm of fecal incontinence management and improve therapeutic efficacy.

[Postpartum fecal incontinence. State of the problem]. / Poslerodovoe anal'noe nederzhanie. Sostoyanie problemy.

A review of the current national and foreign literature is devoted to epidemiology, risk factors, causes, diagnosis and modern treatment approaches for fecal incontinence (FI). Incidence of FI in early and delayed period after childbirth is 30% or more. At the same time, up to 87% of postpartum injuries of anal sphincter remain undiagnosed. Importantly, routine caesarean section does not reduce the risk of incontinence. In addition to typical complaints of spontaneous gas and stool, diagnosis of FI after childbirth includes transrectal ultrasound, MRI, anorectal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing. Survey of proctologists from different regions of Russia revealed a high demand from medical community for educational programs devoted to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with postpartum perineal injuries.