[Esophageal function in duodenal ulcer]

We examined 21 patients with duodenal ulcer confirmed by endoscopy for disturbances of esophageal function, using manometric techniques and long-term pH measurement. Pathological manometric findings, largely of a mild degree, were obtained in 48 per cent of the patients examined, and a pathological gastro-esophageal reflux was found in 81 per cent, with only 33 per cent suffering from reflux esophagitis as confirmed by endoscopy and/or histological examination. Although duodenal ulcer and disturbed esophageal function often appear simultaneously, a causal connection seems unlikely. Alcohol and nicotine stimulate reflux, with the degree of severity depending on the amount.