INFLUENCE OF ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY IMPAIRMENT ON UPPER AND LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE IN CHAGAS DISEASE

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Parasitology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that can lead to significant digestive issues.
• These digestive problems include alterations in esophageal structure and function, such as myenteric plexus loss and abnormal manometric findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between abnormal esophageal findings, cardiac conditions, and esophageal sphincter pressures in Chagas disease patients.
• To explore the association between dysphagia, constipation, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) basal pressures.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 99 Chagas disease patients and 40 healthy controls.
• Esophageal manometry was used to measure UES and LES basal pressures.
• Patients underwent radiologic examinations, electrocardiography, and answered questionnaires regarding dysphagia and constipation.

Main Results:

• Esophageal distal contraction amplitude was reduced in Chagas disease patients with esophageal retention.
• Abnormal esophageal radiography correlated with increased failed and simultaneous contractions (P<0.01).
• Constipation was associated with significantly lower LES basal pressure (34.7±20.3 mmHg) compared to patients without constipation (42.9±20.5 mmHg, P<0.03).

Conclusions:

• Chagas disease patients with normal or mildly affected esophageal radiography show no significant alterations in UES and LES basal pressures.
• Constipation in Chagas disease is associated with decreased LES basal pressure, suggesting a potential manometric marker.