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[Nutcracker esophagus. Analysis of 80 patients]
Attila Csendes1, Carlos Cárcamo, Ana Henríquez
1Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. acsendes@machi.med.uchile.cl
Revista Medica De Chile
|September 29, 2004
Summary
Nutcracker esophagus, a motility disorder, can mimic gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Esophageal manometry is key to differentiating these conditions, as abnormal reflux is not always present.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
- Acid Reflux Studies
Context:
- Nutcracker esophagus is a primary esophageal motility disorder.
- It is often associated with noncardiac chest pain.
- Differentiating it from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is clinically important.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical, endoscopic, manometric, and pathological characteristics of nutcracker esophagus.
- To assess 24-hour esophageal acid reflux in patients diagnosed with nutcracker esophagus.
- To correlate manometric findings with acid reflux patterns.
Summary:
- Eighty patients with nutcracker esophagus (contractions >180 mmHg) underwent endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, and manometry.
- Symptoms suggestive of GERD were present in 80%, with abnormal acid reflux in 50%.
- No significant manometric differences were found between patients with and without acid reflux.
Impact:
- Highlights that symptoms of GERD do not always indicate pathological acid reflux.
- Suggests primary esophageal motor disorders can present with symptoms similar to GERD.
- Emphasizes the role of esophageal manometry in diagnosing nutcracker esophagus.