Diagnostic differences in high-resolution esophageal motility in a large Mexican cohort based on geographic distribution.

High-resolution esophageal manometry [HRM] has become the gold standard for the evaluation of esophageal motility disorders. It is unclear whether there are HRM differences in diagnostic outcome based on regional or geographic distribution. The diagnostic outcome of HRM in a diverse geographical population of Mexico was compared and determined if there is variability in diagnostic results among referral centers. Consecutive patients referred for HRM during 2016-2020 were included. Four major referral centers in Mexico participated in the study: northeastern, southeastern, and central (Mexico City, two centers). All studies were interpreted by experienced investigators using Chicago Classification 3 and the same technology. A total of 2293 consecutive patients were included. More abnormal studies were found in the center (61.3%) versus south (45.8%) or north (45.2%) P < 0.001. Higher prevalence of achalasia was noted in the south (21.5%) versus center (12.4%) versus north (9.5%) P < 0.001. Hypercontractile disorders were more common in the north (11.0%) versus the south (5.2%) or the center (3.6%) P.001. A higher frequency of weak peristalsis occurred in the center (76.8%) versus the north (74.2%) or the south (69.2%) P < 0.033. Gastroesophageal junction obstruction was diagnosed in (7.2%) in the center versus the (5.3%) in the north and (4.2%) in the south p.141 (ns). This is the first study to address the diagnostic outcome of HRM in diverse geographical regions of Mexico. We identified several significant diagnostic differences across geographical centers. Our study provides the basis for further analysis of the causes contributing to these differences.

Patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en la manometría de alta resolución / Motility pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease on high-resolution manometry

Introducción: La manometría esofágica es la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico de los trastornos motores esofágicos; diagnostica elementos conocidos en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, como la hipotonía del esfínter esofágico inferior y sus relajaciones transitorias. La manometría se utiliza para evaluar la función peristáltica en pacientes considerados para cirugía antirreflujo, particularmente si el diagnóstico es incierto. No debe emplearse para hacer o confirmar el diagnóstico de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Objetivo: Profundizar en los conocimientos relacionados con el patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en la manometría de alta resolución. Desarrollo: La manometría esofágica de alta resolución permite caracterizar la actividad contráctil del esófago. Registra de manera simultánea la actividad de los esfínteres esofágicos superior e inferior; también la motilidad del cuerpo esofágico. Sus indicaciones, aunque precisas, resultan de interés en determinados pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, sobre todo en quienes se sospecha un trastorno de la motilidad. El patrón manométrico más aceptado para la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico describe un fallo de los siguientes factores: la presión del esfínter esofágico inferior, longitud, inestabilidad, la presencia de hernia hiatal y los trastornos de la peristalsis esofágica. Conclusiones: La manometría de alta resolución permite caracterizar el patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Los elementos primarios del reflujo son la hipotonía del esfínter esofágico inferior, sus relajaciones transitorias y la distorsión anatómica de la unión esofagogástrica(AU)

Introduction: Esophageal manometry is the reference test for the diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders; diagnoses known elements in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as hypotony of the lower esophageal sphincter and its transient relaxations. Manometry is used to evaluate peristaltic function in patients considered for anti-reflux surgery, particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain. It should not be used to make or confirm the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective: To deepen the knowledge related to the motility pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease in high-resolution manometry. Development: High-resolution esophageal manometry allows characterizing the contractile activity of the esophagus. Simultaneously records the activity of the upper and lower esophageal sphincters; also, the motility of the esophageal body. Its indications, although precise, are of interest in certain patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially in those who suspect a motility disorder. The most accepted manometric pattern for gastroesophageal reflux disease describes a failure of the following factors: lower esophageal sphincter pressure, length, instability, the presence of hiatal hernia, and disorders of esophageal peristalsis. Conclusions: High-resolution manometry allows us to characterize the motility pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The primary elements of reflux are hypotonia of the lower esophageal sphincter, its transient relaxations, and anatomical distortion of the esophagogastric junction(AU)

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in named manometric patterns of dysmotility according to the Chicago Classification 4.0.

Esophageal motility disorders (EMD) may be considered primary disorders only in the absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If GERD is present, treatment should be directed toward correction of the abnormal reflux. The actual prevalence of GERD in manometric dysmotility patterns according to the new Chicago Classification 4.0 (CC4) is still elusive. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GERD in patients with esophageal motility disorders according to the CC4. We reviewed 400 consecutive patients that underwent esophageal manometry and pH monitoring. Esophageal motility was classified according to the CC4 and GERD + was defined by a DeMeester score > 14.7. Normal motility or unclassified dysmotility was present in 290 (73%) patients, with GERD+ in 184 of them (63%). There were a total of 110 patients (27%) with named esophageal motility disorders, with GERD+ in 67 (61%). The incidence of ineffective esophageal motility was 59% (n = 65) with 69% GERD +, diffuse esophageal spasm was 40% (n = 44) with 48% GERD +, and hypercontractile esophagus was 0.01% (n = 1) with 100% GERD +. There was no correlation between the presence of GERD and the number of non-peristaltic swallows. Our results show that: (i) manometry only is not enough to select patients' treatment as >60% of patients with named esophageal motility disorders have GERD; (ii) there was no correlation between the presence of GERD and the number of non-peristaltic swallows.

Jackhammer esophagus: Prevalence and demographic, clinical, and manometric characteristics. / «Jackhammer esophagus¼ (esófago en martillo hidráulico): prevalencia, características demográficas, clínicas y manométricas.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Jackhammer esophagus is a recently identified motility disorder. Experience with the novel pathologic condition has been reported in different studies but there is little information on the subject in Latin America. Our case series conducted in Bogota, Colombia, describes the prevalence of jackhammer esophagus and its demographic, clinical, and manometric characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included consecutive patients diagnosed with jackhammer esophagus that were referred for high-resolution esophageal manometry. Their clinical and manometric records were reviewed, and the pertinent information for the present study was collected. RESULTS: Within the study period, 6,445 patients were evaluated with esophageal manometry, 27 of whom were diagnosed with jackhammer esophagus (prevalence of 0.42%). The majority of those patients were women (n=17, 63%) in the sixth decade of life. The most common symptom was regurgitation (n=17, 63%), followed by dysphagia (n=15, 56%). The mean distal contractile integral was 9,384 (5,095-18,546) mmHg·s·cm. Dysphagia was more common in patients >60 years of age (79%, p <.01) and regurgitation was more frequent in patients <60 years of age (92%, p <.03). CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to characterize the prevalence of jackhammer esophagus and its demographic, clinical, and manometric characteristics in Latin American patients. The prevalence of jackhammer esophagus in our study population was considerably lower than that reported in international case series. Our findings suggest that there are important geographic differences in the epidemiology and clinical presentation of jackhammer esophagus, compared with data from other international centers.

High-resolution esophageal manometry in a Mexican population: diagnostic outcome.

High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has become the method of choice for evaluation of esophageal motility disorders. There is a paucity of data with this technique from Hispanic countries. This study aims to characterize the diagnostic outcome of HREM in a large cohort of consecutive patients in Mexico.This study was conducted in Monterrey, Mexico from March 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015. Our diverse study population included patients from a major academic institution and the community. HREM was done applying the Chicago Classification 3. Diagnostic outcome was grouped as weak peristaltic disorders, gastroesophageal junction disorders, and hypertensive/uncoordinated peristalsis.We studied 670 consecutive patients, 57% were women, mean age was 43.8 years. The majority (465 [69%]) were referred for preoperative evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 365 (78%) of whom had a normal study. Overall, 193 (29%) patients had abnormal motility, the most common disorder being weak peristalsis (104 [54%]). In patients with dysphagia, the most frequent finding was achalasia (23/46 [50%]).To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the diagnostic outcome of HREM in a large cohort of Hispanic patients in Latin America. At our open access center, 69% of patients were referred for preoperative evaluation of GERD, reflecting the popularity of antireflux surgery. This study confirms the high prevalence of weak peristalsis and highlights the importance of addressing its pathophysiology and management. The finding of achalasia in 50% of our patients with dysphagia is consistent with recent reports regarding the rising incidence of this disorder and underscores the need of prompt motility testing in this population.

Clinical, endoscopic and manometric features of the primary motor disorders of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Significant incidence, diagnostic difficulties, clinical relevance and therapeutic efficacy associated with the small number of publications on the primary esophageal motor disorders, motivated the present study. AIM: To determine the manometric prevalence of these disorders and correlate them to the endoscopic and clinical findings. METHODS: A retrospective study of 2614 patients, being 1529 (58.49%) women and 1085 (41.51%) men. From 299 manometric examinations diagnosed with primary esophageal motor disorder, were sought-clinical data (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, odynophagia, non-cardiac chest pain, pharyngeal globe and extra-esophageal symptoms) and/or endoscopic (hiatal hernia, erosive esophagitis, food waste) that motivated the performance of manometry. RESULTS: Were found 49 cases of achalasia, 73 diffuse spasm, 89 nutcracker esophagus, 82 ineffective esophageal motility, and six lower esophageal sphincter hypertension. In relation to the correlations, it was observed that in 119 patients clinical conditions were associated with dysphagia, found in achalasia more than in other conditions; in relationship between endoscopic findings and clinical conditions there was no statistical significance between data. CONCLUSION: The clinical and endoscopic findings have little value in the characterization of the primary motor disorders of the esophagus, showing even more the need for manometry, particularly in the preoperative period of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Is there an association between hiatal hernia and ineffective esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease is multifactorial, where esophageal motility is one of the factors implicated in its genesis. However, there is still no consensus on the existence of an association between esophageal dysmotility and hiatal hernia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility in patients with hiatal hernia and to determine if herniation is a factor related to esophageal dysmotility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: The study included 356 patients with a clinical diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease submitted to upper digestive endoscopy and esophageal functional diagnostics. Hiatal hernia was defined endoscopically by a distance equal to or greater than 2 cm between the diaphragmatic constriction and the squamocolumnar junction and esophageal dysmotility when the esophageal manometry identified the amplitude of the peristaltic waves in the distal esophagus as <30 mmHg and/or less than 80% of effective contractions. For univariate statistical analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: with and without hiatal hernia. Poisson regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of esophageal dysmotility according to hiatal hernia. RESULTS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with hiatal hernia had a prevalence of esophageal dysmotility equal to 14.8% and those without hiatal hernia, a prevalence of 7.7% (p = 0.041). Patients with hiatal hernia also showed a higher frequency of erosive esophagitis (47.5% versus 24.2%, p < 0.001), lower low esophageal sphincter pressure (10.4 versus 13.10; p < 0.001), and higher frequency of individuals with abnormal pH-metry values (p < 0.001). The crude PR for esophageal dysmotility, according to the presence of hiatal hernia, was 1.92 (confidence interval (CI), 1.04-3.53; p = 0.037), but this association did not persist when controlled for age, esophagitis, altered pH-metry, and altered low esophageal sphincter (adjusted PR, 1.69; CI, 0.68-4.15; p = 0.257). CONCLUSION: Despite the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility in the hiatal hernia group being higher than that in the group without hiatal hernia, the association between these variables in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease disappeared when controlling for age, esophagitis, altered pH-metry, and altered low esophageal sphincter, leading us to believe that in these patients, hiatal hernia is not an independent risk factor for dysmotility.

Nutcracker oesophagus: association with chest pain and dysphagia controlling for gastro-oesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: The association between nutcracker oesophagus, gastro-oesophageal reflux and their symptoms is controversial. AIM: To evaluate the association of nutcracker oesophagus with chest pain and dysphagia controlling for gastro-oesophageal reflux. METHODS: From a database of 935 consecutive patients investigated with oesophageal manometry and pH-metry, we selected all patients with nutcracker oesophagus including diffuse and segmental patterns. Patients with normal oesophageal peristalsis served as controls. Symptoms assessment, manometry testing and 24h oesophageal pH monitoring off acid-suppressive medications were performed following a standardized protocol. The associations between nutcracker oesophagus and symptoms were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nutcracker oesophagus was found in 60 patients (6.4%), of which 30 had diffuse nutcracker oesophagus and 30 had segmental nutcracker oesophagus. The control group was composed by 656 patients with normal oesophageal peristalsis. Diffuse nutcracker oesophagus was associated with chest pain (odds ratio 4.3; 95% CI 1.9-9.9; P<0.0001) and dysphagia (odds ratio 5.3; 95% CI 2.3-12.2; P<0.0001), whereas segmental nutcracker oesophagus was associated with chest pain (odds ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.1-6.9; P=0.026), controlling for total oesophageal acid exposure, age, sex and lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both diffuse and segmental nutcracker oesophagus should be regarded as meaningful abnormalities and not mere manometric curiosities.

Prevalencia de los diferentes trastornos motores primarios del esófago: Estudio prospectivo de 5.440 casos / Primary esophageal motor disturbances among patients with esophageal symptoms

Background: The esophagus can suffer several motor disturbances of striated or smooth muscle. Aim: To determine the presence of primary motor disturbances of the esophagus among a group of patients with esophageal symptoms. Material and methods: Prospective study of 5,440 patients consulting for heartburn, chest pain or dysphagia, with primary esophageal motor disturbances, studied between 1994 and 2004. AH were subjected to an esophageal manometry with eight perfused catheters connected to pressure transducers. Results: Nineteen percent of subjects had a normal esophageal manometry, 60 percent had unspecific motor disturbances usually associated to gastroesophageal reflux, 13 percent had a nutcracker esophagus, 5 percent had diffuse esophageal spasm, 2 percent had achalasia and 0,3 percent had an hypertensive sphincter. Conclusions: Primaryesophageal motor disturbances are common among patients with esophageal symptoms. A manometry should be performed to these patients.

[Primary esophageal motor disturbances among patients with esophageal symptoms]. / Prevalencia de los diferentes trastornos motores primarios del esófago: Estudio prospectivo de 5.440 casos.

BACKGROUND: The esophagus can suffer several motor disturbances of striated or smooth muscle. AIM: To determine the presence of primary motor disturbances of the esophagus among a group of patients with esophageal symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 5,440 patients consulting for heartburn, chest pain or dysphagia, with primary esophageal motor disturbances, studied between 1994 and 2004. AH were subjected to an esophageal manometry with eight perfused catheters connected to pressure transducers. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of subjects had a normal esophageal manometry, 60% had unspecific motor disturbances usually associated to gastroesophageal reflux, 13% had a nutcracker esophagus, 5% had diffuse esophageal spasm, 2% had achalasia and 0,3% had an hypertensive sphincter. CONCLUSIONS: Primary esophageal motor disturbances are common among patients with esophageal symptoms. A manometry should be performed to these patients.

Esophageal motility disorders in HIV patients.

Opportunistic esophageal infections (Candida, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus) and idiophatic esophageal ulcerations are commonly found in HIV patients. However, motility disorders of the esophagus have seldom been investigated in this population. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the presence of motility disorders in HIV patients with esophageal symptoms (with or without associated lesions detected by endoscopy) and in HIV patients without esophageal symptoms and normal esophagoscopy. Eigthteen consecutive HIV patients (10 male, 8 female, ages 20-44 years, mean age 33.5; 8 HIV positive and 10 AIDS) were studied prospectively. Nine patients complained of esophageal symptoms, e.g, dysphagia/odynophagia (group 1) and 9 had symptoms not related to esophageal disease, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding (group 2). All patients underwent upper endoscopy; mucosal biopsies were taken when macroscopic esophageal lesions were identified or when the patients were symptomatic even if the esophageal mucosa was normal. Esophageal manometry was performed in the 18 patients, using a 4-channel water-perfused system according to a standardized technique. Sixteen of the 18 patients (88.8%) had baseline manometric abnormalities. In group 1, 8/9 patients had esophageal motility disorders: nutcrackeresophagus in 1, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) with incomplete relaxation in 2, nonspecific esophageal motility disorders (NEMD) in 3, diffuse esophageal spasm in 1, esophageal hypocontraction with low LES pressure in 1. Six of these 9 patients had lesions detected by endoscopy: CMV ulcers in 2, idiopathic ulcers in 1, candidiasis in 1, idiopathic ulcer + candidiasis in 1, nonspecific esophagitis in 1; and 3/9 had normal endoscopy and normal esophageal biopsies. In group 2, 8/9 patients had abnormal motility: hypertensive LES with incomplete relaxation in 1, nutcracker esophagus in 2, esophageal hypocontraction in 3, and NEMD in 2. All these patients had a normal esophageal mucosa at endoscopy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HIV patients have esophageal motility disorders independent of esophageal symptoms and/or the presence of mucosal esophageal lesions.

Patología digestiva en niños infectados con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana VIH en Santiago de Chile / Gastrointestinal diseases in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemiology has changed, affecting an increasing number of children. As in adults, the disease predominantly affects the digestive and respiratory systems. Aim: To report the gastrointestinal problems in HIV infected pediatric patients. Patients and methods : Twenty four HIV infected children (nine male, aged 1 to 12 years old, followed for 1 to 170 months), are reported. This group has been under care by a multiprofessional team. Results: Oral candidiasis was present in 21 (88 percent), esophagic candidiasis in 3 (13 percent), oral ulcers in 4 (17 percent). Diarrhea was observed in 18 children (75 percent) and in eight, it had a chronic evolution. Cryptosporidium parvum was the most frequent agent found in six cases (1 with acute and 5 with chronic diarrhea). Schlerosing cholangiopathy was observed in one case, with a fatal outcome, in association to microsporidiosis. Upper endoscopy was done in 11 patients, demonstrating microscopic inflammatory changes in esophagic, gastric and duodenal epithelia in all. Conclusions: Digestive problems are common in HIV infected pediatric patients. They must be always sought actively. Endoscopy is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of these problems

[Hypertensive inferior esophageal sphincter. Prevalence and clinico-manometric features]. / El esfínter esofágico inferior hipertenso. Prevalencia y características clinicomanométricas.

BACKGROUND: The hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (HLES) is an unusual primary motor disorder of the esophagus. The lack of a precise definition has made it difficult to establish its prevalence and its clinical and manometric characteristics. OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the prevalence of HLES using precise diagnostic criteria, 2) To identify the clinical manifestations of this disease, and 2) To compare manometric findings in patients with HLES against normal subjects. METHODS: A total of 705 consecutive esophageal manometries were performed over 52 months. HLES was defined as basal pressure 45 > or = mmHg, normal relaxation in response to swallowing, and normal peristalsis of the esophageal body. Clinical records were reviewed to identify the main symptoms that prompted the manometry. The manometric data of patients with HLES was compared to that of 16 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Seven HLES patients were identified establishing a prevalence of 1%. Four HLES cases were referred due to dysphagia, two due to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and one due to thoracic pain. Upon comparing manometric data of patients with HLES and healthy control subjects the motor function of the esophageal body, the total length of the lower esophageal sphincter, and its position in respect to the diaphragm were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of HLES was 1%. Dysphagia was the main symptom. Total length of the sphincter, as well as length of the thoracic and abdominal segments do not appear to contribute to high basal pressure.