Project description:Background/aimsSeveral studies have reported partial recovery of peristalsis in patients with achalasia after myotomy. The aim of our study is to analyze esophageal motility patterns after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and to assess the potential predictors and clinical impact of peristaltic recovery.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients with achalasia undergoing POEM at a tertiary center. High-resolution manometry (HRM) studies prior to and after POEM were reviewed and the Chicago classification was applied.ResultsA total of 237 patients were analyzed. The initial HRM diagnoses were achalasia type I, 42 (17.7%); type II, 173 (73.0%); and type III, 22 (9.3%). Before POEM, peristaltic fragments were present in 23 (9.7%) patients. After POEM the Chicago classification diagnoses were: 112 absent contractility, 42 type I achalasia, 15 type II, 11 type III, 26 ineffective esophageal motility, 18 esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, 10 fragmented peristalsis, and 3 distal esophageal spasm. Altogether 68 patients (28.7%) had signs of contractile activity, but the contractions newly appeared in 47 patients (47/214, 22.0%). Type II achalasia showed a trend for appearance of contractions (P = 0.097). Logistic regression analysis did not identify any predictors of peristaltic recovery. The post-POEM Eckardt score did not differ between patients with and without contractions nor did the parameters of timed barium esophagogram.ConclusionsMore than 20% of achalasia patients have signs of partial recovery of esophageal peristalsis after POEM. It occurs predominantly in type II achalasia but the clinical relevance seems to be negligible.
Project description:High-resolution manometry (HRM) is increasingly performed worldwide, to study esophageal motility. The Chicago classification is subsequently applied to interpret the manometric findings and facilitate a diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. This review will discuss new insights regarding the diagnosis and management using the Chicago classification.Recent studies have demonstrated that high-resolution manometry is superior to conventional manometry, and has a higher sensitivity to diagnose achalasia. Furthermore, the subclassification of achalasia as used in the Chicago classification has prognostic value and can be used to direct treatment. Diagnosis of esophageal spasm has been improved by using the distal latency as diagnostic criterion. Recently, criteria for minor disorders of peristalsis have been sharpened, leading to a lower rate of patients with abnormal results, thereby increasing the relevance of a diagnosis. High-resolution manometry is now considered the gold standard for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. The Chicago classification provides a standardized approach for analysis and categorization of abnormalities that has led to a significant increase in our knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of motility disorders. Further refinement of the classification will be required.
Project description:The Chicago Classification (CC) of esophageal motility disorders, utilizing an algorithmic scheme to analyze clinical high-resolution manometry (HRM) studies, has gained acceptance worldwide.This 2014 update, CC v3.0, developed by the International HRM Working Group, incorporated the extensive clinical experience and interval publications since the prior (2011) version.Chicago Classification v3.0 utilizes a hierarchical approach, sequentially prioritizing: (i) disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow (achalasia subtypes I-III and EGJ outflow obstruction), (ii) major disorders of peristalsis (absent contractility, distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus), and (iii) minor disorders of peristalsis characterized by impaired bolus transit. EGJ morphology, characterized by the degree of overlap between the lower esophageal sphincter and the crural diaphragm and baseline EGJ contractility are also part of CC v3.0. Compared to the previous CC version, the key metrics of interpretation, the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), the distal contractile integral (DCI), and the distal latency (DL) remain unchanged, albeit with much more emphasis on DCI for defining both hypo- and hypercontractility. New in CC v3.0 are: (i) the evaluation of the EGJ at rest defined in terms of morphology and contractility, (ii) 'fragmented' contractions (large breaks in the 20-mmHg isobaric contour), (iii) ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), and (iv) several minor adjustments in nomenclature and defining criteria. Absent in CC v3.0 are contractile front velocity and small breaks in the 20-mmHg isobaric contour as defining characteristics.Chicago Classification v3.0 is an updated analysis scheme for clinical esophageal HRM recordings developed by the International HRM Working Group.
Project description:Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. Achalasia is a chronic disease that causes progressive irreversible loss of esophageal motor function. The recent development of high-resolution manometry has facilitated the diagnosis of achalasia, and determining the achalasia subtypes based on high-resolution manometry can be important when deciding on treatment methods. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is less invasive than surgery with comparable efficacy. The present guidelines (the "2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines") were developed based on evidence-based medicine; the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility served as the operating and development committees, respectively. The development of the guidelines began in June 2018, and a draft consensus based on the Delphi process was achieved in April 2019. The guidelines consist of 18 recommendations: 2 pertaining to the definition and epidemiology of achalasia, 6 pertaining to diagnoses, and 10 pertaining to treatments. The endoscopic treatment section is based on the latest evidence from meta-analyses. Clinicians (including gastroenterologists, upper gastrointestinal tract surgeons, general physicians, nurses, and other hospital workers) and patients could use these guidelines to make an informed decision on the management of achalasia.
Project description:BackgroundAlthough swallowing disorders can impact individuals of any age, some are unique to the elderly, and others are frequent. Some disorders, such as achalasia, are diagnosed by esophageal manometry studies, which assess lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and relaxation, peristalsis in the esophageal body, and contraction wave characteristics. This research aimed to evaluate esophageal motility dysfunction in symptomatic patients and its relation to age.MethodsConventional esophageal manometry was performed on 385 symptomatic patients who were divided into two groups; Group A (age < 65 years old) and Group B (age ≥ 65 years). The geriatric assessment for Group B included cognitive, functional, and clinical frailty scales (CFS). Additionally, a nutritional assessment was done for all patients.ResultsAbout one-third of the patients (33%) had achalasia, in which manometric results were significantly higher in Group B (43.4%) than in Group A (28.7%) (P = 0.016). The resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, as determined by manometry examination, was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. In contrast, complete LES relaxation percentage and normal esophageal body peristalsis were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. Patients who exhibited evidence of achalasia in the manometric study had a significantly increased risk of established malnutrition and functional impairment.ConclusionsAchalasia is a prevalent cause of dysphagia in elderly patients, placing them at risk of malnutrition and functional impairment. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is vital when providing care for this population.
Project description:BackgroundPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a new approach to achalasia attracts broad attention. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the results with esophageal motility after POEM through the first large sample clinical research.Patients and methodsWe have a self-control research with all patients (205 in total) who underwent POEM from 2010 to 2014 at our Digestive Endoscopic Center, 66 patients of which underwent high resolution manometry (HRM) before and after POEM in our motility laboratory. Follow-ups last for 5.6 months on average. Outcome variables analyzed included upper esophageal sphincter pressure (UESP), upper esophageal sphincter residual pressure (UESRP), lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), lower esophageal sphincter residual pressure (LESRP) and esophageal body peristalsis. We have a statistical analysis to illustrate how POEM impacts on the change of esophageal motility.ResultsThe symptoms related to dysphagia were relieved in 95% of patients in recent term after POEM. While HRM showed a statistically significant reduction of URSRP, LESP and LESRP (P<0.01), however, peristalsis was not consistently affected. There were 11 patients who had undergone other prior endoscopic treatment (endoscopic dilation or botulinum toxin injection) and 55 patients had not. The statistical difference (P>0.05) did not occur for these two groups on LESP and LESRP reduction.ConclusionsPOEM clearly relieved the symptoms related to dysphagia by lowering the pressure of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES),and other endoscopic treatment before POEM did not affect the improvement of LES pressure. These results are concluded from our short-term follow-up study, while the long-term efficacy remains to be further illustrated.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-TRC-12002204).
Project description:Chronic liquid and/or food stasis caused by retention esophagitis (RE) in achalasia is a notable endoscopic finding because of the presence of a thickened or whitish esophageal mucosa and histologically altered squamous hyperplasia. We aimed to identify the clinical features of RE associated with achalasia and to clarify the clinical definition of RE in achalasia as a precancerous lesion identified by analyzing biomarker expressions.From 2006 to 2015, we retrospectively reviewed 37 patients with achalasia without previous treatment. Among them, 21 patients had diagnostic findings of RE (RE+) and 16 patients had no diagnostic findings of RE (RE-). Immunohistochemical staining of p53, p16, and Ki-67 was performed on the endoscopic biopsy tissues from the patients with achalasia and 10 control patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.The symptom duration and transit delay were significantly longer in the RE+ group than in the RE- group. We found particularly high p53 positivity rates in the RE+ group (p<0.001). The rate of p16 expression was also significantly higher in the RE+ group than in the other two groups (p=0.003).A high p53 expression rate was more frequently found in the RE+ group than in the other two groups. RE could be a meaningful clinical feature of achalasia for predicting esophageal carcinogenesis.
Project description:Background/aimsPrevious studies reveal that immune-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the etiology of esophageal achalasia. However, the understanding of leucocyte phenotype and proportion is limited. This study aim to evaluate the phenotypes of leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells transcriptomes in esophageal achalasia.MethodsWe performed high-dimensional flow cytometry to identified subsets of peripheral leukocytes, and further validated in lower esophageal sphincter histologically. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the transcriptional changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with achalasia. Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) was used for estimating the immune cell types. A differential gene expression analysis was performed and the differential expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes network, protein-protein interaction network construction.ResultsAn imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells occurred in achalasia. Specifically, neutrophils and CD8+ T cells increased both in peripheral blood and lower esophageal sphincter in achalasia. Eosinophils decreased in peripheral blood but massively infiltrated in lower esophageal sphincter. CIBERSORT analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells RNA sequencing displayed an increased prevalence of CD8+ T cells. 170 dysregulated genes were identified in achalasia, which were enriched in immune cells migration, immune response, etc. Proton pump inhibitor analysis revealed the intersections and gained 7 hub genes in achalasia, which were IL-6, Toll-like receptor 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, complement C3, and complement C1q A chain.ConclusionPatients with achalasia exhibited an imbalance of systematic innate and adaptive immunity, which may play an important role in the development of achalasia.
Project description:Background/aimsPatients with achalasia-related esophageal motility disorders (AEMDs) frequently present with dilated and sigmoid esophagus, and develop esophageal diverticulum (ED), although the prevalence and patients characteristics require further elucidation.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter cohort study of 3707 patients with AEMDs from 14 facilities in Japan. Esophagography on 3682 patients were analyzed.ResultsStraight (n = 2798), sigmoid (n = 684), and advanced sigmoid esophagus (n = 200) were diagnosed. Multivariate analysis revealed that long disease duration, advanced age, obesity, and type I achalasia correlate positively, whereas severe symptoms and integrated relaxation pressure correlate negatively with development of sigmoid esophagus. In contrast, Grade II dilation (3.5-6.0 cm) was the most common (52.9%), while grade III dilation (≥ 6 cm) was rare (5.0%). We found early onset, male, obesity, and type I achalasia correlated positively, while advanced age correlated negatively with esophageal dilation. Dilated and sigmoid esophagus were found mostly in types I and II achalasia, but typically not found in spastic disorders. The prevalence of ED was low (n = 63, 1.7%), and non-dilated esophagus and advanced age correlated with ED development. Patients with right-sided ED (n = 35) had a long disease duration (P = 0.005) with low integrated relaxation pressure values (P = 0.008) compared with patients with left-sided ED (n = 22). Patients with multiple EDs (n = 6) had lower symptom severity than patients with a single ED (P = 0.022).ConclusionsThe etiologies of dilated esophagus, sigmoid esophagus, and ED are considered multifactorial and different. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment of AEMDs are necessary to prevent these conditions.
Project description:Background & aimsIn some patients, the type 3 achalasia (A3) motor pattern may be an effect of chronic use of high-dose opioids. No motor findings have been identified to differentiate opioid-induced A3 (OA3) from idiopathic A3 (IA3). We investigated whether OA3 could be distinguished from IA3 on the basis of differences in esophageal motor responses to amyl nitrite, cholecystokinin, or atropine.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients who received pharmacologic provocation during esophageal high-resolution manometry from 2007 through 2017 at a tertiary referral center. We identified 26 patients with IA3 (9 women; mean age, 68 ± 13 years) and 24 patients with OA3 (15 women; mean age, 59 ± 10 years). We compared pressure topography metrics during deglutition and after administration of amyl nitrite, cholecystokinin, or atropine between patients with OA3 vs IA3.ResultsAmyl nitrite induced a similar relaxation response in both groups, but the rebound contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter during amyl nitrite recovery, and the paradoxical esophageal contraction during the first phase of cholecystokinin response, were both significantly attenuated in patients with OA3. The second phase of cholecystokinin response in patients with OA3 was 100% relaxation, when present, in contrast to only 26% of patients with IA3. There was no significant difference between groups in inhibition of lower esophageal sphincter tone or esophageal body contractility by cholinergic receptor blockade.ConclusionsNearly half of patients with an A3 pattern of dysmotility are chronic, daily users of opioids with manometry patterns indistinguishable from those of patients with IA3. Patients with OA3 differ from patients with IA3 in responses to amyl nitrite and cholecystokinin. These findings might be used to identify patients with dysmotility resulting from opioid use.