Physiology of the oesophageal transition zone in the presence of chronic bolus retention: studies using concurrent high resolution manometry and digital fluoroscopy. Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Distinct contraction waves (CWs) exist above and below the transition zone (TZ) between the striated and smooth muscle oesophagus. We hypothesize that bolus transport is impaired in patients with abnormal spatio-temporal coordination and/or contractile pressure in the TZ. Concurrent high resolution manometry and digital fluoroscopy were performed in healthy subjects and patients with reflux oesophagitis; a condition associated with ineffective oesophageal contractility and clearance. A detailed analysis of space-time variations in bolus movement, intra-bolus and intra-luminal pressure was performed on 17 normal studies and nine studies in oesophagitis patients with impaired bolus transit using an interactive computer based system. Compared with normal controls, oesophagitis patients had greater spatial separation between the upper and lower CW tails [median 5.2 cm (range 4.4-5.6) vs 3.1 cm (2.2-3.7)], the average relative pressure within the TZ region (TZ strength) was lower [30.8 mmHg (28.3-36.5) vs 45.8 mmHg (36.1-55.7), P < 0.001], and the risk of bolus retention was higher (90%vs 12%; P < 0.01). The presence of bolus retention was associated with a wider spatial separation of the upper and lower CWs (>3 cm, the upper limit of normal; P < 0.002), independent of the presence of oesophagitis. We conclude that bolus retention in the TZ is associated with excessively wide spatial separation between the upper and lower CWs and lower TZ muscle squeeze. These findings provide a physio-mechanical basis for the occurrence of bolus retention at the level of the aortic arch, and may underlie impaired clearance with reflux oesophagitis.

publication date

  • July 1, 2008

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • October 2, 2015 4:30 AM

Full Author List

  • Ghosh SK; Janiak P; Fox M; Schwizer W; Hebbard GS; Brasseur JG

author count

  • 6

Other Profiles

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1365-2982

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 750

end page

  • 759

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 7