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Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

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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...
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Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

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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...
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Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

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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...
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Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

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Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
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Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

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Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
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Distal esophageal spasm.

Sabine Roman1, Peter J Kahrilas

  • 1aDigestive Physiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon I University and LabTAU Inserm U1032, Lyon, France bDepartment of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|June 4, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a heterogeneous disorder. Recent findings suggest botulinum toxin and per oral endoscopic myotomy as promising treatments, warranting further study.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders

Background:

  • Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare esophageal motility disorder causing dysphagia and chest pain.
  • Diagnostic criteria for DES were refined in 2011 using high-resolution manometry.
  • Recent advancements offer new therapeutic strategies for DES.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent publications on Distal Esophageal Spasm (DES) since 2012.
  • To incorporate revisions in DES definition and management.
  • To provide an updated overview of DES diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature published since 2012.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options for DES.
  • Synthesis of findings on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Main Results:

  • DES is a heterogeneous disorder with debated pathophysiology, potentially linked to achalasia or secondary to medications like opiates.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound may reveal muscularis propria hypertrophy.
  • Botulinum toxin injection and per oral endoscopic myotomy show promise for symptom relief, though the latter may be less effective than in achalasia.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnosing DES necessitates a search for contributing medications.
  • Endoscopic treatments like botulinum toxin injection and per oral endoscopic myotomy require further evaluation in controlled studies using current high-resolution manometry criteria.