Are the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations in achalasia always incomplete? A manometric and scintigraphic study.
In two patients with achalasia we found intermittent, complete lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations at manometric evaluation. These patients had no weight loss, minimal oesophageal dilation, lower LES pressure and faster radionuclide oesophageal emptying when compared with other achalasia patients. Concurrent performing of radionuclide oesophageal emptying and manometry showed that the complete relaxations (CRs) were too short and functionally unsuccessful. Our findings suggest that these patients may be at an earlier disease stage and that intermittent CRs of LES may occasionally occur in achalasia.
Federici
T
T
Divisione di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia, Ospedale C.S.S., San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
Annese
V
V
Caruso
N
N
Accadia
L
L
Gabbrielli
A
A
Modoni
S
S
Frusciante
V
V
D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000502:physiology; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000502:physiology; D011312:Pressure; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; D013997:Time Factors
D001466:Barium Sulfate; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid