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Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

The Aging Esophagus: Contraction Reserve on High-Resolution Manometry Declines With Age.

Nathon Smith1, Allyson Richardson1,2,3, Annel Fernandez1,3

  • 1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|May 26, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Esophageal contraction reserve, measured by multiple rapid swallows (MRS) during high-resolution manometry (HRM), declines with age. This age-related loss of esophageal contractile adaptability may explain symptoms in older adults.

Keywords:
age‐related changesaging esophagusesophageal contraction reservehigh‐resolution manometrymultiple rapid swallowsperistaltic function

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Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
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Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

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Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
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Quantification of Global Diastolic Function by Kinematic Modeling-based Analysis of Transmitral Flow via the Parametrized Diastolic Filling Formalism
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Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Physiology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Esophageal symptoms are prevalent in the elderly, but age-related changes in esophageal function are not fully understood.
  • High-resolution manometry (HRM) with multiple rapid swallows (MRS) assesses esophageal contraction reserve, offering insights beyond standard metrics.
  • This study investigates how age impacts esophageal contraction reserve in symptomatic adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of age on esophageal contraction reserve using MRS on HRM.
  • To determine if age-related decline in esophageal function contributes to unexplained symptoms in older individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Included symptomatic adults undergoing HRM and pH-impedance monitoring off acid suppression.
  • Excluded patients with prior foregut surgery or major peristaltic disorders.
  • Assessed MRS response by the ratio of post-MRS distal contractile integral (DCI) to mean DCI from single water swallows (MRS+ ratio > 1).

Main Results:

  • Of 619 patients, 60.1% had intact contraction reserve (MRS+).
  • MRS+ prevalence decreased with age, with significantly lower rates in older age groups (p-trend = 0.0008).
  • Advanced age (e.g., >65 years) was independently associated with reduced MRS+ (OR: 0.97, p=0.0004).

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal contraction reserve, assessed by MRS on HRM, diminishes with increasing age.
  • Age-related loss of esophageal contractile adaptability may underlie functional esophageal disorders in the elderly.
  • MRS testing on HRM is valuable for assessing symptomatic older adults.