Scintigraphic detection of metoclopramide esophageal stimulation in progressive systemic sclerosis

Supine radionuclide esophageal scintigraphy (RES) and manometry were used to prospectively evaluate metoclopramide effect on esophageal function and pressure amplitudes in 14 patients (12 females and two males; median time since diagnosis: 2 yr) with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Quantitation of RES included calculation of percent emptying at 30 sec, and standard manometric measurements were obtained. RES and manometry were performed before and 10 min following the i.v. administration of metoclopramide. RES showed a significant increase in mean percent emptying from 36% to 46% after drug administration (p less than 0.01), while mean lower esophageal pressure (end-expiratory) increased from 2 to 11 mm of Hg (p less than 0.001). Manometry failed to reveal a significant increase in either distal or proximal mean esophageal contractile amplitude, and no correlation was found between the increase in percent emptying at RES and the change in lower esophageal pressure in the individual patient. RES is the only quantitative method presently available to evaluate bolus propagation in the esophagus, and it documented improved esophageal function after metoclopramide administration in a PSS population. When drug therapy is directed at augmentation of esophageal emptying, RES is an ideal method to evaluate drug response.