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Published on: May 6, 2014
Manometric and radiologic correlations in achalasia
H Meshkinpour1, L Kaye, A Elias
1University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Achalasia patient data shows clinical, radiologic, and manometric findings correlate in some cases, particularly with elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure. However, correlations are inconsistent across all achalasia patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Achalasia is a complex esophageal motor disorder.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical, radiologic, and manometric features.
- Interrelationships between these features require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation among clinical, radiologic, and manometric findings in achalasia patients.
- To identify factors influencing the consistency of these correlations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical complaints, radiologic findings, and manometric parameters in 109 achalasia patients.
- Utilized correlation matrix and multiple regression analyses.
- Examined relationships between specific symptoms and diagnostic findings.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss.
- Chest pain showed an inverse correlation with these symptoms.
- Dysphagia and weight loss correlated with bird-beak deformity, but not esophageal dilatation or sigmoid esophagus.
- Correlation between lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal dilatation/sigmoid esophagus was not significant.
- A reasonable correlation existed in patients with resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure > 45 mm Hg.
Conclusions:
- Correlation between clinical, radiologic, and manometric findings in achalasia is variable.
- Esophageal dilatation or sigmoid esophagus may not solely indicate disease severity or hypertensive sphincter.
- Chest pain has an inverse relationship with other key achalasia symptoms.
- Achalasia and hiatal hernia can coexist.
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