Determination of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients with prior normal manometry

Assessment of sphincter of Oddi motility by manometry is limited to a finite time period, and the presence of a motor disorder that is intermittent may not be documented. This study evaluated the frequency of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in persistently symptomatic patients with previously normal sphincter of Oddi manometry studies.

A total of 177 patients underwent ERCP for suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and had a normal sphincter of Oddi manometry study (both biliary and pancreatic) over a 5-year period (1996-2001). All patients referred for a second ERCP with sphincter of Oddi manometry for evaluation of persistent symptoms were included in this study.

Of the 177 patients, 12 (mean age 37.6 years, range 19-59 years) met criteria for inclusion. The mean time interval between the first and second ERCP was 337 days (range 43-792 days). Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was diagnosed at a second sphincter of Oddi manometry in 5 (42%) patients; 4 had pancreatic sphincter hypertension; one had elevation of both pancreatic and biliary sphincter pressures. All 5 patients underwent endoscopic sphincter ablation therapy; 4 were symptom-free on follow-up at, respectively, 26, 40, 48, and 72 months; one patient had persistent symptoms from pancreatic sphincter restenosis and required multiple endoscopic interventions. Five of the 12 (42%) patients with normal manometric studies were found to have pancreatographic changes of chronic pancreatitis; the two remaining patients had a normal ERCP and manometry.

A single negative manometry study does not rule out sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Repeat ERCP with manometry may be warranted for patients with persistent symptoms in whom the clinical suspicion for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction remains high.