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Related Experiment Videos

Presbyesophagus: a reappraisal.

Kenneth R DeVault1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. devault@mayo.edu

Current Gastroenterology Reports
|May 16, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Aging affects the esophagus, leading to changes in peristalsis and sensation. While not an inevitable failure, these age-related esophageal changes require consideration in older patients.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The aging gastrointestinal tract exhibits changes, including in the esophagus.
  • The concept of "presbyesophagus" (esophageal peristalsis failure in the elderly) has been debated with modern diagnostic advancements.
  • Age-related alterations in esophageal function and sensation are evident.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine age-related changes in esophageal function, including peristalsis and sensation.
  • To evaluate the impact of aging on the lower and upper esophageal sphincters.
  • To determine if esophageal failure is an inevitable consequence of aging.

Main Methods:

  • Review of modern manometric techniques and classification systems.
  • Analysis of age-related changes in esophageal peristalsis (body).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of changes in pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter function.
  • Evaluation of age-related decline in esophageal sensory perception.

    • Main Results:

    • The lower esophageal sphincter shows minimal age-related changes.
    • Esophageal body peristalsis is more prone to failure in older individuals, potentially exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux disease.
    • Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter functions also undergo age-related alterations.
    • Impaired esophageal sensation in aging individuals may lead to underreported symptoms for significant mucosal disease.

    Conclusions:

    • Esophageal failure is not an inevitable outcome of aging.
    • Significant age-related changes occur in the esophagus, affecting peristalsis and sensation.
    • These esophageal changes must be considered when evaluating elderly patients with esophageal symptoms.