Oesophageal reflux tests, manometry, endoscopy, biopsy, and radiology in healthy subjects

The aim was to study the exposure time of acid during 24 h at two different oesophageal levels in 15 healthy subjects and its relation to other kinds of oesophageal findings. Five centimetres above the lower oesophageal sphincter the total reflux time was 0.2% (0-1.3%), and at the 15-cm level it was 0.1% (0-0.7%). A standardized compression test during manometry and radiologic examination showed that no subject had reflux. Hiatus hernia was provoked at the radiologic examination in four subjects, one of whom also had a widened hiatus. At endoscopy, one subject had a hiatus hernia and slightly granulated oesophageal mucosa. Biopsy specimens showed slight basal cell hyperplasia in one case. Bleeding in the dermal papillae or a few intraepithelial leukocytes were seen in eight cases, findings that might be due to endoscopic trauma. Without any history of gastrointestinal disorders, gastrooesophageal reflux was minimal under standardized conditions, although hiatus hernia and mild changes in biopsy specimens could be seen.