Oesophago-gastric junction opening function: assessment using ultrasound imaging and the effects of atropine

Relaxation and opening of the oesophago-gastric junction (OGJ) is crucial for oesophageal transport. A novel ultrasound technique was used to determine OGJ opening, before and after atropine, in 12 normals. An ultrasound probe, a solid-state pressure transducer and an infusion tube were placed inside a 20-mm diameter bag, which was placed across the OGJ. At various bag pressures ultrasound transducer was pulled across the bag. Acquired B-mode ultrasound images were converted into M-mode image to display the oesophagus, OGJ and stomach. At low bag-pressure (< 20 mmHg), the OGJ but not oesophagus and stomach, is collapsed around the bag. Increasing bag pressure results in gradual opening of the OGJ from distal end. M-mode image identified the narrowest region of OGJ and corresponding cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured. Mean bag pressure to initial OGJ opening was 18 mmHg. Linear relationship between bag-pressure and OGJ-CSA was observed. Atropine reduced opening bag pressure and shifted the OGJ pressure-CSA curve upward without altering slope, i.e. compliance. Our novel ultrasound technique to study the OGJ opening function shows two distinct components; firstly, related to the tonic OGJ contraction and secondly, to passive or viscoelastic properties of the OGJ.