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Are there any differences between nutcracker esophagus with and without reflux?
Luiz Filipe Duarte Silva1, Eponina Maria de Oliveira Lemme
1Gastroenterology Division, University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Medicine Faculty, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Dysphagia
|April 26, 2007
Summary
Nutcracker esophagus (NE), a primary esophageal disorder, shows no clinical or manometric differences when associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Proper GERD diagnosis is crucial for effective patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a primary esophageal motor disorder often presenting with noncardiac chest pain.
- Recent research suggests an association between NE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and manometric findings in patients with NE, with and without GERD.
- To determine if GERD influences the presentation or manometric characteristics of NE.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two patients diagnosed with NE were analyzed.
- Patients were categorized into two groups: those with confirmed GERD (via pHmetry or endoscopy) and those without.
- Clinical symptoms, barium swallow studies, and esophageal manometry were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in age, sex, or chief complaint (chest pain) between the NE with GERD and NE without GERD groups.
- Common symptoms like chest pain, dysphagia, and heartburn were prevalent in both groups, with no statistically significant variations.
- Barium swallow and manometric findings were similar across both patient cohorts, and erosive esophagitis was rare (5.7%).
Conclusions:
- The study found no significant differences in clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, or manometric characteristics between patients with NE with or without GERD.
- Accurate diagnosis and management of GERD are essential for patients presenting with NE symptoms.
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