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Results for “Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse”

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PubMed1999

Antidepressant treatment of patients with diffuse esophageal spasm: a psychosomatic approach.

The cause of diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) has not been clearly established, and effective treatment is lacking. To determine whether a psychosomatic approach can be effective in treating DES patients, nine patients and 26 healthy volunteers were studied. Esophageal manometry and psychological testing were performed in both groups. The psychological background of the DES patients was investigated. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition, revised. The authors started psychosomatic treatment with isosorbide dinitrate for 1 month, then prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants for an additional month. Anxiety and depression scores were substantially higher for the DES group than for the control group. Five of the nine DES patients (56%) were diagnosed as having major psychiatric disorders. Only one patient showed improvement with isosorbide dinitrate, and eight patients improved with antidepressants. These initial observations suggest that psychosomatic treatment with antidepressants may be effective in the treatment of DES.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Functional and morphological changes in the pharynx in achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm].

Since the pharynx and the esophagus are a functional unit, functional radiodiagnosis has to be directed at pharyngo-esophageal interaction. Among our collective of 73 patients suffering from achalasia or diffuse esophageal spasm, we were able to recognize a substantially increased incidence of morphological or functional pharyngeal disorders by means of cineradiography. The functional alterations in particular were often not revealed by conventional fluoroscopy. High-speed cineradiography, with its high temporal and spatial resolution, turned out to be a valuable tool in analysis of the origin of pharyngeal dysphagia. Manometry correlated very well with the radiologic findings in tubular esophagus, but proved unreliable in the detection of alterations of the upper esophageal sphincter region, because of problems inherent in the method. Furthermore, membranous stenosis (webs), lateral or dorsal diverticula, and asymmetry of the pharynx were observed strikingly often.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

GERD progressing to diffuse esophageal spasm and then to achalasia.

The pathophysiology of achalasia is not completely understood. Several reports have suggested that esophageal motility disorders may progress from one type to another. We report a patient with symptoms and esophageal motility findings consistent with gastroesophageal reflux who subsequently developed a diffuse esophageal spasm and then achalasia. We believe this to be the first report showing such a progression in esophageal motility.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Relationship between diffuse esophageal spasm and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction on barium studies and manometry in 14 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to reassess the function and clinical characteristics of the lower esophageal sphincter in a series of patients with radiographically defined diffuse esophageal spasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In reviewing records in the radiology database at our hospital, we identified 14 patients with diffuse esophageal spasm confirmed on barium studies who also underwent esophageal manometry. The radiographic findings were reviewed and correlated with the manometric findings. Medical records were also reviewed to determine the clinical presentation, treatment, and patient course. RESULTS: All 14 patients were symptomatic, presenting with dysphagia, chest pain, or both. All the barium studies revealed intermittently absent or weakened peristalsis, with nonperistaltic contractions that were moderate in six patients (43%) and marked in eight patients (57%) (contractions nearly obliterating the lumen in six and completely obliterating the lumen in two). Nine patients (64%) had impaired opening of the lower esophageal sphincter, manifested by beaklike narrowing of the distal esophagus, and five (36%) had normal opening of the lower esophageal sphincter. Manometry revealed abnormal peristalsis in all 14 patients, with repetitive simultaneous contractions in eight (57%) and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction in 12 (86%). All eight patients with lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction or incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter on barium studies or manometry who were treated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin or endoscopic balloon dilatation had a positive response. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data show that diffuse esophageal spasm is characterized on barium studies by frequent lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction rather than a classic corkscrew appearance. Barium and manometric studies may have complementary roles in the evaluation of patients with diffuse esophageal spasm.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Long esophageal myotomy with a fundic patch procedure for treating diffuse esophageal spasm: report of a case.

A diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) based on radiological and manometric studies was made in a 70-year-old man who presented with severe dysphagia, vomiting, and spontaneous chest pain. The manometric studies revealed a simultaneous onset of high amplitude contractions and a hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that was well relaxed in response to deglutition, in contrast to the incomplete relaxation seen in achalasia. Because his dysphagia was so severe and did not respond to pneumatic dilatation, the patient was treated by a long esophageal myotomy with a full thickness incision through the LES and mucosa, adding a Thal-Hatafuku procedure. The patient made a good postoperative recovery and has since been eating normally without any further dysphagia or chest pain. Good manometric and radiological results have been obtained in this patient during 5 years of follow-up.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Does diffuse esophageal spasm progress to achalasia? A prospective cohort study.

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) and achalasia share both clinical and manometric characteristics. Some reports support the notion of progression of DES to achalasia. However, there are currently no prospective data in support of this theory. To assess prospectively the rate of manometric progression of DES to achalasia. Manometry tracings of DES patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2003 were independently reviewed blindly and agreed on by two esophageal experts. Patients with DES who agreed to undergo repeat esophageal manometry constituted the study cohort. Follow-up manometry tracings were evaluated blindly and independently by the same two interpreters to determine the rate of manometric progression to achalasia. Predictors of manometric progression were assessed. A total of 32 patients were diagnosed with DES between 1992-2003. Twelve patients (9M/3F; median age 62 years) agreed to participate and underwent second manometry (mean +/- SD follow-up of 4.8 +/- 3.4 years). Achalasia was diagnosed on follow-up manometry in one patient (8%), seven (58%) patients continued to have DES, three (25%) had normal motility, and one (8%) had nutcracker esophagus. There were no predictors of progression to achalasia based on the initial manometry parameters. A subgroup of DES patients with initial low esophageal body amplitude developed increase in esophageal simultaneous contractions on follow-up similar to the patient who evolved to achalasia. Following were the results. 1) Progression from DES to achalasia is uncommon. 2) DES patients with low esophageal body amplitude may develop increased simultaneous contractions over time. 3) DES remains an elusive diagnosis clinically and manometrically.

Aged↗

PubMed1981

Biofeedback and self-regulation in the treatment of diffuse esophageal spasm: a single-case study.

Diffuse esophageal spasm is an uncommon esophageal motor disorder characterized clinically by chest pain and difficulty swallowing. A case is described in which failure of conventional medical treatment in the face of continued weight loss led to consideration for surgery. The need for surgery was obviated by the successful application of relaxation training, which resulted in a significant reduction in painful esophageal spasms, weight gain, and an improvement in psychological state; there was, however, no change in the underlying esophageal motor disorder. The use of a second coping strategy--double swallowing--had an additional beneficial effect, and clinical improvements were maintained and increased at 6-month follow-up. The rationale and the effects of this method at the physiological level are described. It is suggested that double swallowing is a promising new approach to helping patients cope with disordered esophageal motility and that its more general applicability warrants further study.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Reflux control following myotomy in diffuse esophageal spasm.

Sixty-five patients with diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) were investigated by history, radiology, manometry, and endoscopy prior to surgical management. At operation they underwent extended myotomy to the apex of the chest, including the high-pressure zone; in addition, all had hiatal hernia repair. Four types of repair were used: the Belsey procedure, partial fundoplication gastroplasty, total fundoplication gastroplasty, and the Nissen procedure. With the Belsey or the partial fundoplication, there was a high incidence of continued reflux. With the total fundoplication procedure, there was no reflux; however, 6 patients had minor dysphagia and 1 had major dysphagia. With myotomy and a standard Nissen fundoplication, 13 patients were asymptomatic and 2 had minor dysphagia; none had major residual symptoms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Treatment of symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm by endoscopic injections of botulinum toxin: a prospective study with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a rare esophageal motility disorder for which there are no satisfactory pharmacologic alternatives for treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is an effective short- and long-term treatment for patients with symptoms caused by diffuse esophageal spasm. Whether recurrence of clinical symptoms can be successfully retreated by BTX injection was also studied. METHODS: Nine symptomatic patients (6 women, 3 men; 57-86 years) with manometrically proven diffuse esophageal spasm underwent BTX injection. One hundred IU BTX were diluted in l0 mL of saline solution and injected endoscopically at multiple sites along the esophageal wall beginning in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter and moving proximally in 1- to 1.5-cm intervals, and into endoscopically visible contraction rings. Symptom scores based on an analogue scale for dysphagia, regurgitation, and noncardiac chest pain were assessed before and after therapy, 1 day thereafter, and at 1 and 6 months. RESULTS: Symptoms improved immediately in 7 (78%) patients after 1 injection session. After 4 weeks 8 (89%) patients were in remission with a decrease in total symptom score. The total symptom score decreased from a median 8.0 (interquartile range: 6.75; 9.0) before treatment to 2.0 (1.5; 3.75) after 1 day (p < 0.01) and to 2.0 (interquartile range: 0.75; 3.0) after 1 month (p < 0.01). After 6 months all 8 patients with a response at 1 month still had a symptom score of 3 or less without further treatment. Subsequently 4 patients required reinjection 8, 12, 15, or 24 months after the initial treatment with similarly good results. No serious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: BTX injection at several levels of the tubular esophagus is an effective treatment for patients with symptoms caused by diffuse esophageal spasm. Symptom relapse can be effectively treated by repeated BTX injection.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Abnormal esophagocardiac inhibitory reflex in patients with diffuse esophageal spasm.

The aim of this study was to establish if patients with an esophageal dysmotility similar to that found in the majority of patients with 'swallow syncope' may also have a pathologic esophagocardiac reflex similar to that observed in these patients. The effects on heart rate induced by dry and solid swallows and by intraesophageal balloon distension were studied in 8 normal subjects and in 10 patients with diffuse esophageal spasm by simultaneous recording of ECG and intraesophageal pressures. Dry swallows induced a brief increase in heart rate, while deglutition of a solid bolus initially induced an increase followed by a decrease in heart rate, significantly more marked in patients with diffuse spasm. The intraesophageal balloon inflation induced a decrease in heart rate which was significantly more intense in patients with diffuse spasm. In conclusion, the esophageal wall distension either due to solid bolus ingestion or to balloon inflation elicits an inhibitory esophagocardiac reflex which is more intense in patients with diffuse spasm and might induce cardiac arrhythmias in predisposed subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Normal esophageal function after myotomy in a patient with idiopathic diffuse esophageal spasm.

A 52-year-old man with idiopathic diffuse esophageal spasm and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter presented with dysphagia for several years. After unsuccessful therapy with forceful pneumatic dilation of the cardia, a myotomy of the cardia and distal esophagus was performed. The patient became asymptomatic, lower esophageal sphincter pressure diminished to less than 10 mm Hg, and esophageal body motor activity was normalized. This situation remains unchanged 6 years after the operation.

Cardia↗

PubMed1986

Transition from peristaltic esophageal contractions to diffuse esophageal spasm.

A patient with dysphagia and chest pain was shown by manometry to have high-amplitude peristaltic esophageal contractions (nutcracker esophagus). Worsening symptoms over the next two years led to the performance of repeated manometric studies, which showed diffuse esophageal spasm. This demonstration of a transition from nutcracker esophagus to diffuse esophageal spasm lends further support for consideration of the nutcracker esophagus as a manometric disorder associated with chest pain or dysphagia. Furthermore, it suggests a pathophysiologic relationship between the nutcracker esophagus, a disorder with preserved peristalsis, and diffuse esophageal spasm, the classic dysmotility considered to be of neurogenic origin.

Deglutition Disorders↗

PubMed1994

Thoracoscopic esophageal myotomy--a surgical technique for achalasia diffuse esophageal spasm and "nutcracker esophagus".

Thoracoscopic myotomy has been performed for diffuse esophageal spasm "nutcracker esophagus" and achalasia. Technical considerations for thoracoscopic long myotomy such as trocar placement, length of myotomy, extent of myotomy distal to the gastroesophageal junction, hiatal closure, fundoplication and degree of esophageal mobilization are discussed.

Esophageal Achalasia↗

PubMed1996

Manometric diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm.

There are no requirements concerning the amplitude of simultaneous contractions among the present criteria for the manometric diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the current criteria effectively identify an appropriately homogenous patient population. Sixty consecutive motility tracings that met the criteria for diffuse esophageal spasm were evaluated. A bimodal distribution of the highest simultaneous esophageal contraction for each patient was observed. One group's (N = 29) highest simultaneous esophageal contractile amplitude was < or = 74 mm Hg, the other's (N = 31) highest simultaneous esophageal contractile amplitude was > or = 100 mm Hg. Group 1 had significantly decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure, lower peristaltic amplitude, more aperistalsis, fewer simultaneous contractions, and fewer complaints of chest pain. These comparisons suggest that consideration be given to the amplitude of simultaneous esophageal contractions in the manometric diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Diffuse esophageal spasm in patients with undiagnosed chest pain.

Many previous studies have shown diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) to be an infrequent clinical disorder. Over a 15-month period, 122 patients were evaluated by low-compliance pneumohydrolic esophageal manometry. The patients were referred for obscure undiagnosed chest pain. Diffuse esophageal spasm or its variance was found in 22 patients (18%). All patients had chest pain and 77% had associated solid and liquid food dysphagia. Medical therapy included treatment with a combination of anticholinergic medications, short- and long-acting nitrates, mild sedatives, and dietary adjustments. Follow-up clinical evaluation have been obtained in 73% of patients: medical treatment alone has been successful in impressively relieving symptoms in 10 patients, two have benefited from repeat pneumatic dilatations, and one patient has improved after pneumatic dilatation and subsequent Heller myotomy. A combination of accurate clinical history, endoscopy, barium swallow, and esophageal manometry should allow a reliable diagnosis of DES with a good chance of successful medical therapy.

Esophageal Diseases↗

PubMed1992

Manometry during food ingestion aids in the diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm.

It has been shown that food ingestion can provoke esophageal motor abnormalities in patients with otherwise normal manometry. Such motor abnormalities are usually nonspecific in character. We now report water swallow and food ingestion data on 12 patients with a history of dysphagia and/or chest pain who satisfied strict manometric diagnostic requirements for diffuse esophageal spasm. Three of these patients had normal water swallow manometry, yet, during food ingestion, showed manometric evidence of diffuse esophageal spasm. In the other nine patients, the occurrence of nonperistaltic contractions was greater, and there was a greater incidence of nonperistaltic contractions of 100 mm Hg or more after ingestion of food. We conclude that food ingestion increases the diagnostic yield of manometric testing for diffuse esophageal spasm and, not infrequently, magnifies an abnormality seen during standard water-swallow testing.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Diffuse esophageal spasm. A rare motility disorder not characterized by high-amplitude contractions.

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) has frequently been described as a motility disorder characterized by simultaneous, high-amplitude contractions. We reviewed the results of esophageal manometry testing on a total of 1480 patients referred to our lab over 36 months. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was determined by a mean of four station pull-through. Esophageal body motility was assessed following 10 wet swallows. In our lab a diagnosis of DES is made when greater than 10% but less than 100% of contractions are simultaneous. Manometric findings of DES were rare, with an overall prevalence of 4% (56/1480). Of the 56 patients with a manometric diagnosis of DES, high-amplitude (mean greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg) peristaltic contractions were found in only two (4%). No simultaneous contractions with amplitude greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg were seen. Pressures of simultaneous contractions were consistently lower than peristaltic contractions. A hypertensive LES pressure (greater than or equal to 45 mm Hg) was present in 5/56 DES patients (9%). Poor LES relaxation was found in 7/56 DES patients (13%). We conclude that DES is a rare manometric finding, regardless of the reason for referral, and that the occurrence of high-amplitude contractions in DES is equally rare.

Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse↗

PubMed1987

Extended esophageal myotomy and short total fundoplication hernia repair in diffuse esophageal spasm: five-year review in 34 patients.

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare disease, and its surgical management is controversial. There are seven major reported series totaling 148 patients and six operative variations depending on the extent of myotomy and whether or not a hernia repair should be added. There are no five-year follow-up reports. In the present study of 34 patients followed for at least five years, all had a myotomy from the apex of the chest through the high-pressure zone and all had a total fundoplication hernia repair, 16 with gastroplasty and 16 with a standard Nissen fundoplication. The length of the completion fundoplication is reduced to less than 0.5 cm to avoid problems of overcompetence. There were no operative deaths. Follow-up is 100% by clinical history, 82.4% by radiology, and 61.8% by manometry. Radiological follow-up showed no recurrence or reflux, although 1 patient had esophageal mucus retention. Thirty patients (88.2%) are eating normally without dysphagia or spontaneous pain. Two patients (5.9%) have mild dysphagia, and 1 of them also has mild spontaneous pain. One patient has major residual dysphagia, which is being treated conservatively, and 1 has required colon interposition. Good-quality results have been achieved in 94% of patients now followed 5 to 10.7 years.

Esophageal Diseases↗