Anatomic-manometric correlation of the upper esophageal sphincter: a concurrent US and manometry study

The pharyngoesophageal segment commonly referred to as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) generates a high-pressure zone (HPZ) between the pharynx and the esophagus. However, the exact anatomical components of the UES-HPZ remain incompletely determined.

To systematically define the US signature of various components of the pharyngoesophageal junction and to determine how these structures contribute to the development of the UES-HPZ.

Prospective, experimental study.

Tertiary Academic Medical Center.

This study involved 18 healthy volunteers.

We studied 5 participants by using a high-frequency US miniprobe (US-MP) and concurrent fluoroscopy and another 13 participants by using the US-MP and concurrent manometry.

Relative contribution of various muscles in the UES-HPZ.

Manometrically, the UES-HPZ had a median length of 4.0 cm (range 3.0-4.5 cm). A C-shaped muscle, believed to represent the cricopharyngeus muscle, was observed for a median length of 3.5 cm (range 2.0-4.0 cm). The oval configuration representing the esophageal contribution to the UES was seen in 10 of 13 participants (77%) at the distal HPZ (esophagus to UES transition zone). The flat configuration of the inferior constrictor muscle was noted in 7 of 13 participants (54%) at the proximal HPZ (UES to pharynx transition zone). There were 4 to 5 wall layers versus 3 layers in the distal and proximal HPZ, respectively. The mean (+/- SD) muscle thickness was relatively constant along the length of the UES-HPZ.

Air artifacts in the UES-HPZ.

The configuration and layers of the UES-HPZ vary along its length. The upper esophagus is a significant contributor to the distal UES-HPZ.