24-hour ambulatory manometry in diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders causing chest pain

The clinical diagnosis of motor disorders of the esophagus leading to chest pain usually lacks documentation by manometry despite the use of sophisticated equipment as well as pharmacologic manipulation. We have developed an ambulatory manometry system that allows us to monitor motility in the esophagus on an outpatient basis for 24 hours. This method seems well tolerated, and tracings obtained are of excellent quality, allowing careful inspection and evaluation of details. Simultaneous 24-hour esophageal pH and surface ECG recordings were also obtained. We believe the technique, when perfected, will significantly enhance the understanding and documentation of the cause of chest pain in patients with motor dysfunction of the esophagus.