Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition 2025 guidelines on the diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome in children.

Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition·2025
Same author

How Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Other Digital Technologies Are Changing the Field of Pediatric Neurogastroenterology.

Gastroenterology clinics of North America·2025
Same author

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition 2025 guidelines for management of cyclic vomiting syndrome in children.

Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition·2025
Same author

Generative AI in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Current gastroenterology reports·2024
Same author

A call to action [plans] for cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Neurogastroenterology and motility·2024
Same author

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Spinal Anomalies.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Diffuse esophageal spasm in children referred for manometry.

John M Rosen1, Teri Lavenbarg, Jose Cocjin

  • 1Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|November 2, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare esophageal motility disorder in children. This study found DES in 13% of pediatric patients, with food refusal common in younger children and chest pain in older ones.

More Related Videos

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
06:18

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm

Published on: September 17, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
06:18

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm

Published on: September 17, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders
  • Diagnostic Characterization

Background:

  • Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is characterized by chest pain and dysphagia in adults.
  • Its presentation and diagnosis in pediatric populations are less understood.
  • Esophageal manometry is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating esophageal motility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and characteristics of diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) in children aged 0 to 18 years.
  • To identify presenting symptoms of DES in different pediatric age groups.
  • To explore comorbidities associated with DES in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 278 pediatric patients undergoing esophageal manometry.
  • Analysis of patient diagnoses, chief complaints, and demographic data.
  • Categorization of diagnoses including normal motility, nonspecific esophageal motility disorder, DES, and achalasia.

Main Results:

  • Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) was diagnosed in 13% (n=36) of pediatric patients.
  • Food refusal was the most common complaint in children younger than 5 years with DES (58%).
  • Chest pain was the predominant symptom in children older than 5 years with DES (33%).
  • Comorbid medical conditions were present in 33 subjects with DES.

Conclusions:

  • Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is an identifiable esophageal motility disorder in children.
  • Symptom presentation varies by age, with food refusal being a key indicator in young children.
  • DES should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with unexplained food refusal or chest pain.