Esophagogastric junction distensibility assessed with an endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP).
BACKGROUND
Increased esophagogastric junction (EGJ) compliance is a key abnormality in GERD leading to increased volumes of reflux. To date, EGJ distensibility has been measured only with investigational barostat-based prototype devices.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to test the endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP), a new commercially available technology designed to measure intraluminal distensibility, by assessing the EGJ of GERD patients and controls.


METHODS
Prospective case-control series.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Twenty GERD patients and 20 controls studied during a routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy.


METHODS
The EndoFLIP was passed through the endoscopic instrumentation channel and positioned across the EGJ. The EndoFLIP uses impedance planimetry to measure 16 cross-sectional areas (CSA) along with the corresponding intrabag pressure within a 4.6-cm cylindrical segment of a fluid-filled bag.


METHODS
EGJ distensibility was assessed with 10- to 40-mL volume-controlled distentions.


RESULTS
In both groups, the least distensible locus at the EGJ was usually at the hiatus. As a group, GERD patients exhibited two- to threefold increased EGJ distensibility compared with controls, particularly at 20- to 30-mL distention volumes, values quantitatively similar to previous measurements with barostat-based devices. The endoscopic estimation of EGJ distensibility, the flap valve grade, correlated poorly with EndoFLIP measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Heterogeneity of GERD patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of EGJ distensibility with EndoFLIP is feasible during clinical endoscopy. Stratifying GERD patients according to this physiological parameter may facilitate the identification of patient subgroups responsive or unresponsive to medical or surgical treatments.
Kwiatek
Monika A
MA
Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2951, USA.
Pandolfino
John E
JE
Hirano
Ikuo
I
Kahrilas
Peter J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D019160:Endosonography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult