Esophageal dysfunction in diabetes mellitus

Detailed roengenological examinations of the esophagus were carried out in 110 diabetics and 130 controls. In 50 (45%) diabetic patients functional abnormalities were detected. Wavy esophageal contours, irregular spontaneous contractions and functional diverticula were observable. In diabetes, these changes occurred at an earlier age and more frequently than in controls. Esophageal transit time was markedly prolonged. The clinical symptoms of dysphagia were usually mild or absent. Diabetic dysphagia is one of the manifestations of diabetic visceral neuropathy. It is attributed mainly to the diabetic damage of the vagus nerve.