RESUMO
Background: The endoscopic view of the gastric cardia could be related with the manometric competence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and with pathological gastroesophageal reflux. Aim: To compare the endoscopic aspect of the cardia with the results from esophageal manometry and 24 h esophageal pH monitoring. Materials and Methods: The cardia of a group of 150 patients (aged 19 to 72 years, 89 women) with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was classified as normal or open, during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All subjects were subjected to a manometric study to measure LES pressure and determine LES incompetence and to a 24 h esophageal pH measurement. Results: LES pressure was 14.7±6.2 and 8.7±4.2 mmHg in patients with normal and open cardia, respectvively (p <0.001). Likewise, 43 and 79% of patients with normal and open cardia had an incompetent LES, respectively (p <0.001). Pathological acid reflux was present in 43 and 71% of patients with normal or open cardia, respectively (p <0.001). Conclusions: The endoscopic appearance of the cardia can identify patients with pathological gastroesophageal reflux.