[Manometry indexes for evaluating esophageal function in patients with achalasia]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Esophageal Physiology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Context:

• Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absent esophageal peristalsis.
• Accurate assessment of esophageal motor function and therapeutic efficacy is crucial for managing achalasia patients.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the utility of the esophageal emptying index (EEI) and anti-reflux index (ARI) in assessing esophageal motor function in achalasia.
• To correlate EEI with barium retention and assess the effectiveness of different treatment modalities.

Summary:

• Esophageal manometry, barium emptying tests, and endoscopy were performed on 43 patients with achalasia (preoperative, postoperative, post-dilatation) and 10 normal controls.
• A significant linear relationship was found between EEI and the lower esophageal barium retention area (So) (t = -5.00, P < 0.001).
• Higher EEI and smaller So correlated with stronger esophageal emptying function. 80% of patients with ARI < 12 experienced gastroesophageal reflux, indicating EEI and ARI can assess motor function and treatment effects.

Impact:

• EEI and ARI serve as valuable tools for evaluating esophageal motor function and treatment outcomes in achalasia.
• These indices can guide therapeutic decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions like pneumatic dilatation and surgery.
• Understanding the relationship between EEI, So, and ARI provides deeper insights into the pathophysiology and management of achalasia.