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Gallbladder function and gastric liquid emptying in achalasia.
V Annese1, N Caruso, L Accadia
1Department of Gastroenterology, C.S.S. Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Achalasia patients may experience gallbladder dysfunction and accelerated gastric emptying. These extraesophageal gastrointestinal abnormalities suggest broader impacts beyond the esophagus in achalasia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Physiology
- Esophageal Disorders
Background:
- Achalasia, a disorder of the esophagus, may involve abnormalities extending beyond the distal esophagus.
- Previous research suggests potential extraesophageal involvement in achalasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gallbladder function and gastric emptying in patients with achalasia.
- To determine if achalasia is associated with extraesophageal gastrointestinal functional abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Cholescintigraphy was used to assess gallbladder function (filling, ejection fraction, ejection phase) in 10 achalasia patients and 10 controls.
- Scintigraphic gastric emptying of a liquid caloric meal was evaluated in the same participants.
Main Results:
- No abnormalities were observed in gallbladder filling.
- Seven out of 10 achalasia patients exhibited reduced gallbladder ejection fraction and a slower ejection phase.
- Eight out of 10 achalasia patients showed accelerated gastric liquid emptying.
Conclusions:
- Some achalasia patients present with extraesophageal functional abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Further research is needed to explore the role of nerve degeneration and the clinical significance of these findings.