Does sleeping on a waterbed promote gastroesophageal reflux?

We conducted a randomized prospective study with extended intraesophageal pH monitoring on two consecutive nights to test the hypothesis that a waterbed (WB) might increase recumbent acid exposure compared to a regular bed (RB). We studied 10 controls (mean age 29 years; five males, five females) with no history of reflux symptoms more than two times per month. We also studied 10 reflux patients (mean age 42 years; seven males, three females) with symptoms at least five days a week and documented recumbent reflux, with or without upright reflux, by previous 24 hr pH study. A standard meal (56% fat) was provided at 6 PM. After randomization, the subjects and patients slept on the assigned bed (WB or RB) in one nearby hotel. The pH probe was removed the next morning at 8 AM. On the same day, the pH probe was inserted at 4 PM and the routine was repeated with use of the other bed. No significant difference (P greater than 0.05; paired t test) was found between the regular bed and waterbed in any measurement of recumbent reflux. Our study does not support the hypothesis that greater recumbent reflux may occur when sleeping flat on a waterbed compared to a regular bed. It does not, however, absolutely refute the possible association of waterbed use with esophagitis, since elevation of the head of a waterbed is not possible.

Positive predictive value and posttest probability of diagnosis of colonic polyp on single- and double-contrast barium enema

The positive predictive value for a radiographic diagnosis of colonic polyp, the prevalence of polypoid disease, and posttest probability relative to patient age were studied. The positive predictive value for colonic polyp on single- and double-contrast barium enema was determined for 191 polyps found radiographically in 136 patients who also underwent colonoscopy for confirmation. Of 72 polyps seen in 54 patients on single-contrast examination, 59 were confirmed endoscopically; 110 of 119 polyps seen in 82 patients on double-contrast examination were confirmed similarly, giving positive predictive values of 82% and 92%, respectively. Positive predictive values per patient, disregarding the number of polyps present, were 87% (47/54) and 90% (74/82) for the single- and double-contrast examinations, respectively. False-positive errors were due to stool, air bubbles, haustration, and misinterpretation of an appendiceal stump. By using specificities derived from our prevalence of polypoid disease and previously reported sensitivities, we drew posttest probability curves showing that predictive values depend both on the chance of disease before the test is done and on the efficacy of the test used.

Prostaglandins in the gut and their relationship to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Prostaglandins are long-chain, saturated, oxygenated fatty acids. Relatively large quantities of prostaglandins have been found in gut mucosa, suggesting that these substances play an important role in gastrointestinal physiology. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause damage to the gastric, intestinal, and colonic mucosa in experimental animals and in humans. Prostaglandins protect the gastric mucosa against injury induced by NSAIDs, and this property has been labelled cytoprotection. The mechanisms of cytoprotection have been extensively evaluated and are probably multifactorial, including effects on the gastric mucosal barrier, gastric blood flow, mucus, bicarbonate, and fluid section, ionic transport, cyclic AMP, and surface-active phospholipids. Prostaglandins may also prevent NSAID-induced injury in the small intestine and colon. The mechanisms responsible for prostaglandin protection in the lower gut against injurious agents are unknown. Further studies of the role of prostaglandins in the gut and their relationship to the effects of NSAIDs are needed. The results of these investigations may lead to a better understanding of the importance of prostaglandins in the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, and may provide information regarding actions of NSAIDs on the functional integrity of the gastric, intestinal, and colonic mucosa.

A comparison of high and low fat meals on postprandial esophageal acid exposure

Fatty foods have been identified as precipitating factors in symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A fat meal has also been found to decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in normal subjects. We used the ambulatory 24-h pH monitor to assess esophageal acid exposure in 10 normal subjects and 10 GER patients following low and high fat meals eaten in two body positions. The meals had nearly identical protein content, volumes, and calories. On successive days, patients ingested one of the meals twice, followed by random assignment to 3 h upright and 3 h recumbent position. Acid exposure for each hour over a 3-h postprandial (PP) period was assessed as the percent time pH less than 4.0. Increased upright acid exposure occurred in normals after the high fat (6.2 +/- 2.1%; mean +/- SE) compared with the low fat meal (1.5 +/- 0.5%; p less than 0.05). GER patients had greater (p less than 0.05) acid exposure than normals in all study periods, but no differences were found between low and high fat meals in either study position. High fat meals induce upright GER in normals, but do not significantly affect the abnormal amount of GER in patients. In addition, progressive increases in acid exposure were found over the 3 postprandial hours in GER patients in a recumbent position. The findings are consistent with prior data showing decreased LESP with a fat meal in normals.

Endoscopic biopsy is diagnostic in gastric antral vascular ectasia. The "watermelon stomach"

Gastric antral vascular ectasia was endoscopically diagnosed in seven patients. Pathologic characteristics of this entity were defined retrospectively, by studying endoscopic pinch biopsy slides from these seven patients and antrectomy specimens from five patients. A scoring system was developed, and the seven patients were compared prospectively with various control groups. Abnormalities of mucosal vessels (fibrin thrombi and/or ectasia) consistently distinguished patients from control antrectomies, normal biopsies, acute gastritis biopsies and atrophic gastritis biopsies (P = 0.02, all comparisons). Spindle cell proliferation into mucosa also was characteristic of gastric antral vascular ectasia, distinguishing this disease from normals, acute gastritis, and atrophic gastritis (P less than or equal to 0.039, each comparison). The presence of abnormal mucosal vessels (fibrin thrombi and/or ectasia) and spindle cell proliferation was similar in patient antrectomies compared to patient endoscopic biopsies. Therefore, we conclude that endoscopic biopsies can reliably diagnose gastric antral vascular ectasia, a vascular disorder characterized by abnormal mucosal vessels and spindle cell proliferation.

Acid perfusion test: does it have a role in the assessment of non cardiac chest pain?

Using 24 hour pH monitoring as a reference standard, the usefulness of the acid perfusion (AP) test in predicting gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) was assessed in 71 non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) patients and 23 endoscopic oesophagitis patients. Of the 71 NCCP patients, 35 had a positive AP test (of whom 20 had an abnormal 24 hour pH) and 36 had a negative AP test (of whom 14 had an abnormal 24 hour pH study). Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the AP test in this group was 59%, 59%, 57%, and 61%, respectively. The corresponding values in the oesophagitis group were 85%, 67%, 94%, and 40%. In the NCCP group when heartburn alone was used as the positive criterion the PPV rose to 74%. When chest pain with or without heartburn was used, however, the PPV dropped to 38%. A 'symptom index' was used to define the number of chest pain episodes that were caused by acid reflux. Only 48% of AP test positive patients had demonstrable acid mediated chest pain. In the NCCP population with a normal oesophageal examination (1) AP test reproduction of chest pain is poorly predictive of GORD; (2) AP test reproduction of heartburn is more predictive of GORD but does not ensure that the chest pain is caused by GORD; (3) a negative AP test does not exclude GORD and (4) only 48% of AP test positive patients have demonstrable acid mediated chest pain. The ambulatory 24 hour pH test may have rendered the AP test obsolete in the assessment of GORD as the cause of NCCP.

Diffuse esophageal spasm: radiographic and manometric correlation

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is characterized by substernal chest pain, dysphagia, and a manometric pattern of frequent simultaneous contractions with intermittently normal peristalsis. The authors correlated the radiographic and manometric findings in 17 patients with DES to better clarify the role of radiography in the evaluation of this uncommon motility disorder. Incomplete or absent primary peristalsis was observed on radiographs in 13 patients (76%), and mild to severe tertiary activity was seen in 12 patients (71%). The mean estimated thickness of the esophageal wall in patients with DES was 2.6 mm compared with 2.5 mm in an age-matched control group of 17 patients with normal esophageal manometric findings (P greater than .05). The authors conclude that most patients with DES show abnormal esophageal motility on radiographs, although the findings were nonspecific and required clinical and manometric correlation. Esophageal wall thickness was normal in patients with DES and appears to be an overemphasized sign in differentiating DES from other esophageal motility disorders.

Introduction of impermeant molecules into synaptosomes using freeze/thaw permeabilization

Brief freezing as a means of transiently permeabilizing synaptosomes was explored. Rat brain synaptosomes frozen and thawed in the presence of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, a cryoprotectant, were shown to release, in a calcium-dependent manner, previously accumulated [3H]norepinephrine and [14C]acetylcholine in response to elevated [K+]. In addition, synaptosomes subjected to freeze/thaw were shown to retain their ability to exhibit resting protein phosphorylation, as well as stimulated protein phosphorylation occurring in response to calcium influx. Brief freezing of synaptosomes in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and either the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II rendered the synaptosomal interior accessible to these agents, as reflected by the phosphorylation of substrate proteins, such as synapsin I, which reside within the nerve terminal. Inclusion of inhibitors of these protein kinases during freeze/thaw blocked synaptosomal protein phosphorylation, indicating that the inhibitors were also introduced. After freezing, the synaptosomes resealed rapidly and spontaneously, as shown by the inability of any of the agents to elicit an effect on phosphorylation when added at the end of the freezing period. The permeabilization procedure should contribute to an understanding of the functional roles of phosphoproteins, and of their associated protein kinases and protein phosphatases, in nerve terminals.

Barium enema examination: sensitivity in detecting colonic polyps and carcinomas

We analyzed the sensitivity of the barium enema examination in 128 patients with 191 endoscopically proven colonic polyps and 12 carcinomas, relative to patient age, indications, and the type of examination used. Seventy-seven patients (60%) had rectal bleeding, and 51 (40%) patients with 87 lesions, including six carcinomas, did not. Overall roentgenographic sensitivity was 88%, with a 93% detection rate in patients less than 70 years old as compared to 76% for older patients. Sensitivity of single- and double-contrast barium enema examination was 82% and 91%, respectively. There were similar detection rates for lesions 1 cm or more in size (91% vs 95% for single- and double-contrast examinations, respectively), but double-contrast examination was slightly better at detecting smaller polyps (88%, vs 70% for single-contrast examination). Compared to colonoscopy, which has an average reported false-negative rate of 12% in detecting neoplasms, the barium enema is similarly reliable, less costly, and safer.

Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Reproducibility and variability of pH parameters

If 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is to be a useful diagnostic tool, it must reliably discriminate gastroesophageal reflux patients despite daily variations in distal esophageal acid exposure. To address this issue, we studied 53 subjects (14 healthy normals, 14 esophagitis patients, and 25 patients with atypical symptoms) with two ambulatory pH tests performed within 10 days of each other. Intrasubject reproducibility of 12 pH parameters to discriminate the presence of abnormal acid reflux was determined. As a group, the parameters of percent time with pH less than 4 (total, upright, recumbent) were most reproducible (80%). Therefore, a subject was defined as having gastroesophageal reflux disease if at least one of these three values were abnormal. Intrasubject reproducibility for the diagnosis of reflux disease was 89% for the entire sample. Among subsets, the reproducibility was 93% for the normals and esophagitis patients and 84% for the atypical symptom patients. Total percent time with pH less than 4 was the single most discriminate pH parameter (85%) and nearly equaled that of the three combined parameters (89%). The intrasubject variability of this parameter was determined by the mean +/- 2 SD of the relative differences between the two test results for all 53 subjects. Total percent time with pH less than 4 may vary between tests by a factor of 3.2-fold or less (218% higher to 69% lower). We conclude: (1) ambulatory 24-hr esophageal monitoring is a reproducible test for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease; and (2) the large intrastudy variability in 24-hr total acid exposure may limit this test's usefulness as a measurement of therapeutic improvement.

The symptom index: a clinically important parameter of ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring

Ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring is an accurate quantitative test of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, it does not answer the question: are the patients' symptoms due to GER? We developed a numerical scale to quantify the percent association between symptoms and pH less than 4--the symptom index (SI). In 100 consecutive patients with heartburn or chest pain, the SI for the chief complaint was either high (greater than 75%) or low (less than 25%) in 77% of cases. A similar bimodal distribution was seen when heartburn or chest pain symptoms were individually evaluated. There was a good association between high SI and the presence of GER (97.5%), as well as low SI and a normal 24-h pH study (81.1%). Endoscopy was normal in 89.5% of patients with low SI, but patients with high SI had esophagitis in only 69.7% of cases. The Bernstein test showed a poor association with the SI. Therefore, the SI gives clinically relevant information regarding the role of acid reflux and patient's symptoms. We believe this simple calculated index should be included in the analysis of 24-h esophageal pH studies.

Acid-induced esophagitis in cats is prevented by sucralfate but not synthetic prostaglandin E

The cytoprotective effects of liquid sucralfate and a synthetic analog of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on acid-induced esophagitis in cats were studied. Esophagitis was induced in adult cats using a constant infusion of 0.1 N HCl at 1 ml/min for 20 min. Animals were infused for either one or three days. Mucosal lesions were evaluated by blinded investigators using both fiberoptic endoscopy and light microscopy. Histologic changes included basal cell hyperplasia, intraepithelial leukocytosis, and subepithelial leukocytosis. Liquid sucralfate given prior to acid infusion consistently prevented acid-induced lesions in both one- and three-day infusions, demonstrated by both endoscopy and quantitative histologic scoring. Indomethacin (200 micrograms/kg) given prior to sucralfate and acid did not affect sucralfate cytoprotection. Synthetic PGE1, given in doses of 5 micrograms/kg and 100 micrograms/kg, afforded no esophageal cytoprotection. These studies indicate that sucralfate is cytoprotective against acid-induced esophageal injury in cats, an effect that does not appear to be mediated by prostaglandin. In addition, synthetic PGE1 does not confer protection in this animal model.

Consent in medical decision making: the role of communication

Informed participation in medical decisions is important because it demonstrates respect for the ethical principle of individual autonomy and increases the likelihood of reaching therapeutic goals. Twenty hospitalized patients were randomly selected and observed for six and a half hours to assess the degree to which informed participation was possible with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Resident physicians and patients were then interviewed about the rationale, benefit, risk, and alternative for each observed procedure. Commonly observed activities were injecting and giving oral medications, and performing invasive diagnostic procedures. Clinicians' communication involved rationale (43%) more often than benefits (34%), risks (14%), and alternatives (12%). Communication was similar when the procedures proposed were important and risky. Residents' and patients' interviews demonstrated limited congruence in shared understanding of rationale (57%), benefit (45%), risk (19%), and alternatives (25%). These results suggest that clinicians selectively impart information essential for informed patient participation, and highlight areas of clinician-patient communication in need of attention.

Cowden's disease: a case report and literature review

Cowden's disease, or multiple hamartoma syndrome, is an uncommon condition with characteristic mucocutaneous lesions associated with abnormalities of the breast, thyroid, and gastrointestinal tract. We describe a 51-year-old man with hyperplastic polyposis of the entire alimentary tract as the most prominent feature of this disease. We also present a review of 85 cases of this entity as reported in the English medical literature, and summarize the pertinent findings.

Comparison of potential cytoprotective action of sucralfate and cimetidine. Studies with experimental feline esophagitis

The potential mucosal protective effects of a liquid sucralfate preparation and the histamine (H2)-antagonist cimetidine on acid-induced esophagitis were studied. Esophagitis was induced in adult cats using a constant infusion of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 1 ml/minute for 20 minutes. Mucosal lesions were evaluated by blinded investigators using both fiber-optic endoscopy and light microscopy. Histology was scored for basal cell hyperplasia, intraepithelial leukocytosis, and subepithelial leukocytosis. Liquid sucralfate given prior to acid infusion consistently prevented acid-induced lesions, demonstrated by quantitative histologic scoring. Although cimetidine did not show the same degree of protection as sucralfate, the results did show a trend towards a cytoprotective effect.

Sucralfate treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucosal damage

In a randomized, double-blind trial, sucralfate therapy, 1 g four times daily, was compared with placebo in 143 symptomatic patients to assess the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric mucosal damage associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All patients followed a fixed regimen of NSAIDs, were assigned to one of two groups based on the presence or absence of gastric erosions at baseline endoscopy, and were then assigned randomly to receive sucralfate or placebo for four weeks. Patients were then followed for up to six months while receiving open-label sucralfate 1 g twice daily to up to 1 g four times daily. After four weeks of double-blind therapy, patients taking either nonsalicylate NSAIDs or long half-life NSAIDs and who were treated with sucralfate experienced a significant reduction in both peptic symptom frequency and intensity (p less than 0.03) as compared with patients receiving placebo. Sucralfate-treated patients with baseline endoscopic lesions showed a significant reduction in lesion scores (p less than 0.005) at four weeks as compared with baseline, whereas no improvement was observed in gastric mucosal lesions of patients given placebo. Long-term sucralfate therapy resulted in continued improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric lesion scores in patients receiving all types of NSAIDs. The results indicate that sucralfate used in conjunction with NSAIDs may allow patients to continue therapy by relieving gastrointestinal symptoms and mucosal damage associated with NSAID therapy.

Radiographic evaluation of esophagus immediately after pneumatic dilatation for achalasia

Forty-one (98%) of 42 patients with achalasia of the esophagus had pneumatic dilatation performed successfully using the Brown-McHardy dilator. One to four dilatations (mean, 1.9) were done on each patient with inflation pressures of 8-15 psi (mean, 11.1 psi). Immediately after the procedure, all patients were examined radiographically by injection of contrast material into the lower esophagus through a nasoesophageal tube. Two immediate and two delayed perforations occurred. Six intramural hematomas were noted, five of which resolved spontaneously. The luminal diameter at the esophagogastric junction increased from a mean of 4.2 mm before dilatation to 7.5 mm following treatment. Four patients with previous Heller myotomy were dilated without complications. Perforation was more common in patients with a minimal change in the esophagogastric diameter. Thirty-five patients (85%) improved symptomatically within several days following pneumatic dilatation. Excluding patients with perforation, the postdilatation appearance of the lower esophagus poorly correlated with clinical response.

Esophageal radiography and manometry: correlation in 172 patients with dysphagia

Radiographic and manometric examinations of the esophagus were correlated in 172 patients with dysphagia. Esophageal manometry was abnormal in 66 (38%), with diagnoses of nonspecific esophageal motor disorder (26), achalasia (19), nutcracker esophagus (12), diffuse esophageal spasm (seven), and scleroderma (two). Compared with manometry, radiographic sensitivities were 95% (18 of 19) for achalasia, 71% (five of seven) for diffuse esophageal spasm, and 46% (12 of 26) for nonspecific esophageal motor disorder. Nutcracker esophagus was not diagnosed specifically on the radiographic examination. Overall radiographic sensitivity was 56% (37 of 66) but increased to 89% by excluding nutcracker esophagus and nonspecific esophageal motor disorders. In 106 manometrically normal patients, radiographic specificity was 91% with 10 false-positive diagnoses of nonspecific motor disorder. We conclude that radiographic examination of the esophagus is useful in patients with dysphagia for evaluating functional esophageal abnormalities, although detection rates vary widely with the type of motor disorder.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of upper gastrointestinal disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical and genetic studies were analyzed in 47 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies. Fifty-three percent of patients with RA had peptic ulcers and/or erosions. Sixty percent of patients with ulcers and/or erosions had a history of peptic ulcer disease. Although a greater number of patients with ulcers and/or erosions was taking regular aspirin or indomethacin, comparable numbers of patients with abnormal and normal endoscopies were using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Nineteen of the 25 patients (76%) with ulcers and/or erosions had type O blood. Patients with abnormal and normal endoscopies had similar frequencies of GI complaints and fecal blood loss. GI symptoms and occult fecal blood loss, therefore, are not prominent features of upper GI disease in RA. ABO screening may be helpful in determining which patients with RA are at risk for developing peptic ulcers and/or erosions.

NSAID-induced gastric mucosal damage

Gastric mucosal damage is a common side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, gastric erosions, peptic ulcers or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, NSAIDs should be used cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal lesions. Drugs that may be useful in preventing or treating NSAID-induced gastric mucosal injury are under intensive clinical investigation.

Esophageal manometry in 95 healthy adult volunteers. Variability of pressures with age and frequency of "abnormal" contractions

Although esophageal manometry is widely used in clinical practice, the normal range of esophageal contraction parameters is poorly defined. Therefore, 95 healthy volunteers (mean age: 43 years; range 22-79 years) were studied with a low-compliance infusion system and 4.5-mm-diameter catheter. All subjects were given 10 wet swallows (5 cc H2O) and 38 subjects also were given 10 dry swallows.

RESULTS

Amplitude, but not duration, was greater (P less than 0.05) after wet compared to dry swallows. Both distal mean contractile amplitude and duration of wet swallows significantly increased with age and peaked in the fifties. Double-peaked waves frequently occurred after both wet (11.3%) and dry (18.1%) swallows, but triple-peaked waves were rare (less than 1%). Nonperistaltic contractions were more common (P less than 0.001) after dry compared to wet swallows (18.1% vs 4.1%). This difference resulted from frequent simultaneous contractions after dry swallows (12.6% vs 0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Distal esophageal contractile amplitude and duration after wet swallows increases with age. Triple-peaked waves and wet-swallow-induced simultaneous contractions should suggest an esophageal motility disorder. Double-peaked waves are a common variant of normal. Dry swallows have little use in the current evaluation of esophageal peristalsis.

Esophageal testing of patients with noncardiac chest pain or dysphagia. Results of three years' experience with 1161 patients

Records from 910 patients referred to our clinical esophageal manometry laboratory for evaluation of noncardiac chest pain between January 1983 and December 1985 were reviewed and compared with records from 251 patients referred for dysphagia. Evaluation included baseline esophageal manometry, acid perfusion test, and edrophonium provocation. In the chest-pain group, 655 patients (72%) had normal esophageal motility and 255 (28%) had abnormal motility. Nutcracker esophagus was present in 48% of abnormal tracings, suggesting that it is a manometric marker for noncardiac chest pain. Of the total chest-pain group, 243 patients (27%) had their pain reproduced during provocative testing ("definite" esophageal pain); 192 patients (21%) had baseline manometric abnormalities but no pain during provocative testing ("probable" esophageal chest pain). The highest percentage of positive provocative responses (34%) occurred in patients with nutcracker esophagus on baseline manometry. Manometric abnormalities were statistically commoner (p less than 0.001) in patients with dysphagia, occurring in 53%. Achalasia (36%) and nonspecific esophageal motility disorders (38%) were the commonest abnormalities in this group, with nutcracker esophagus being infrequent (10%).

Long-term follow-up of symptomatic status of patients with noncardiac chest pain: is diagnosis of esophageal etiology helpful?

Questionnaires were sent to 119 patients with noncardiac chest pain, all of whom had previous detailed esophageal evaluations in which 63 were diagnosed as having pain from the esophagus. Mean follow-up period was 21.8 months. Patients diagnosed as having an esophageal etiology of their noncardiac chest pain usually continued to have recurrent pain. Furthermore, a specific diagnosis did not significantly increase the likelihood of pain resolution. However, patients who understood that the esophagus was the source of their pain were significantly less likely to feel disabled by their pain and to require continued physician evaluation. This finding was independent of any treatment program. This study emphasizes the importance of a careful evaluation of the esophagus as a potential source of pain and clearly communicating this information to the patient.

Relationship of radionuclide liquid bolus transport and esophageal manometry

Using simultaneous esophageal manometry and radionuclide transit studies, we compared liquid bolus transport with the various parameters of esophageal contractions. Study subjects included seven normal individuals, six patients with the "nutcracker esophagus" (mean distal peristaltic amplitude greater than 180 mm Hg), and three patients with spastic motility disorders. Manometric studies were performed when the subjects were in the basal state and after intravenous administration of edrophonium and atropine. Simultaneous radionuclide studies were done with subjects in the supine position by swallows of 250 mu Ci technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid in 10 ml water. We found that normal liquid bolus transport (less than 15 seconds) is primarily dependent on the presence of a peristaltic wave front throughout the esophagus. Above a threshold pressure of 30 mm Hg, liquid transport was not affected by amplitude (33 to 500 mm Hg) or duration (3 to 15 seconds) of esophageal contractions. Repetitive wave forms also gave normal transit times as long as the wave front was peristaltic in onset. There was a significant inverse correlation (-0.65; P less than 0.001) between liquid transit time and peristaltic velocity. Prolonged radionuclide transport (30 to less than 50 seconds) was observed only with nonperistaltic contractions and very low amplitude (15 to 30 mm Hg) peristaltic waves.

Pneumatic dilatation of the achalasic esophagus requiring the aid of an endoscope

We describe a 65-yr-old man with achalasia, who had two previous Heller myotomies. He had a markedly dilated, tortuous esophagus, which defeated initial attempts at pneumatic dilatation. A method was improvised in which a Brown-McHardy dilator was attached by a string to a small caliber endoscope and both were successfully passed into the stomach. Pneumatic dilatation was then easily performed. Review of the literature and our experience with four patients suggests that pneumatic dilatation can be performed without substantial risk in patients after a failed Heller myotomy.

Antral varices

Varices of the gastric fundus, often associated with esophageal varices, are a common complication of portal hypertension or splenic vein occlusion. However, varices of the gastric antrum have been reported rarely. We describe a 61-yr-old man with antral and esophageal varices caused by portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis.

Radiological evaluation of dysphagia

Radiological examination evaluates both structural and functional abnormalities of the esophagus in patients with dysphagia. Combined with the clinical history, the radiological results can guide the clinician to a specific diagnosis, such as carcinoma or stricture, or to additional studies, such as endoscopy or esophageal manometry. Based on cost and diagnostic efficacy, the radiological method, compared with endoscopy, is most useful as the initial screening examination in patients with dysphagia (Table 2). Its major limitations are poor detection of mild cases of esophagitis and occasional lack of specificity in diagnosing esophageal motor dysfunction. To achieve these results, however, effective radiological evaluation of the esophagus requires the meticulous use of a combination of examining techniques.

Radiographic efficacy in gastric ulcer: comparison of single-contrast and multiphasic examinations

The efficacies of single-contrast and multiphasic examinations of the stomach for gastric ulcer detection were compared in 90 patients with 102 gastric ulcers, and in a control group of 382 patients without gastric ulcer. Single-contrast and multiphasic sensitivities were 62% and 64%, respectively. Radiographic detection depended significantly on ulcer size: Only 24% of ulcers under 5 mm were detected, compared with 89% of ulcers 5 mm or larger. Radiographic specificities and positive predictive values were similar for both types of examination. Moderate variation of the sensitivities and specificities of the three radiologists was observed, with ranges of 53-69% and 90-98%, respectively. Results indicated that gastric ulcer detection is more related to ulcer size and to individual interpretive variations than to the type of examination.

Radiologic and manometric correlation in "nutcracker esophagus"

"Nutcracker esophagus" is a newly described esophageal motor disorder seen in some patients with chest pain and/or dysphagia and characterized manometrically by normal primary peristalsis with distal contractions of high amplitude. The radiographic and manometric examinations in 20 patients with nutcracker esophagus were correlated. Normal primary peristalsis was observed radiographically in 16 patients, and a nonspecific motor disorder was diagnosed in the remaining four patients. Mild-to-severe nonspecific tertiary activity was seen in about half of the patients, esophageal wall thickness was normal. It is concluded that nutcracker esophagus is primarily a manometric diagnosis made in the appropriate clinical setting, and that the radiographic findings are normal or nonspecific.

Radiographic and endoscopic sensitivity in detecting lower esophageal mucosal ring

Radiographic and endoscopic sensitivities were compared in 60 patients with lower esophageal mucosal ring. Barium esophagram detected 57 (95%) rings, all shown by the prone full-column technique. Double-contrast technique in 39 patients demonstrated only 18 (46%) rings. Endoscopy detected 35 (58%) of 60 rings. Endoscopic sensitivity depended on ring caliber with detection of 18 (82%) of 22 rings 13 mm or less in caliber, 14 (54%) of 26 14-19 mm rings, and three (25%) of 12 rings 20 mm or wider. Dysphagia was present in 13 of 25 patients with rings undetected by endoscopy. The caliber of the fiberoptic instruments used also affected endoscopic detection, with 47% of the rings being diagnosed with narrower endoscopes and 76% being diagnosed with larger instruments. Thus, the radiographic examination was more accurate in detecting lower esophageal mucosal ring and should be used initially in patients with dysphagia and suspected lower esophageal narrowing.

Radiographic magnification of colon polyps

Radiographic magnification was evaluated on conventional and remote control machinery using a phantom with steel rods positioned at different levels. Depending on the rod-film distance, the range of magnification was 8-47% on remote control and conventional overhead films and 11-82% on conventional fluoroscopic spot-films. Extrapolation to the colon based on cross-sectional anatomic correlation showed a 14-27% variation in the radiographic magnification depending on the machinery used, the segment of the colon considered, and the position of the patient. This implies that substantial inaccuracy in the measurement of colonic polyps is common by barium enema examination, particularly when a conventional fluoroscope is used.

Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Technology searching for a clinical application

The development of commercially available ambulatory 24 hour pH monitoring systems has expanded the potential use of this technique. In this article the use of these instruments is reviewed and direct comparisons between different techniques are made. Both the transnasal pH probes and the telemetric capsule have potential advantages and disadvantages for both the physician and the patient. Problems with the interpretation of pH recordings are discussed. A symptom index is developed in an attempt to provide a numerical assessment of the direct association between reflux events and symptoms in each individual patient.

Single-contrast vs double-contrast barium enema in the detection of colonic polyps

Radiographic and colonoscopic correlation in 139 patients with 234 colonic polyps compared the sensitivity of single- and double-contrast barium enema. Single-contrast barium enema detected 68 (80%) of polyps, with 72% of polyps under 1 cm and 94% of those 1 cm or over detected. Double-contrast barium enema detected 135 (91%) of 149 polyps, with 88% of polyps under 1 cm and 96% of larger polyps detected. Thus, the double-contrast barium enema was more effective than the single-contrast examination only for detection of polyps under 1 cm. The single-contrast barium enema was more likely performed on patients in poor physical condition and in those over 70 years old. The results suggest that for elderly patients, who may have difficulty in cooperating for a double-contrast enema, a properly performed single-contrast examination is an acceptable option.

Analysis of a multiphasic radiographic examination for detecting reflux esophagitis

Radiographic and endoscopic findings were correlated in 46 normal patients and in 49 with reflux esophagitis to assess the efficacy of a multiphasic examination employing mucosal relief full-column, and double-contrast techniques. Esophagitis was graded endoscopically as mild, moderate, or severe, and the quality and sensitivity of each technique and of the examination as a whole were determined. The radiographic specificity in the normal patients was 98%. The overall sensitivity was 65% for all grades of esophagitis, and 90% for the moderate and severe grades. Sensitivities of the individual techniques were: mucosal relief: 43%; full-column: 53%; double-contrast: 45%. These differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that a combination of radiographic techniques is needed to detect reflux esophagitis optimally.

Positive predictive value and examiner variability in diagnosing duodenal ulcer

The positive predictive value of a diagnosis of duodenal ulcer was studied in 255 patients with 274 ulcers diagnosed radiographically. Retrospective analysis of the radiographic examinations and correlation with endoscopy assessed examiner variability, ulcer size, duodenal bulb deformity, and the confidence level of the ulcer diagnoses. For all diagnoses, the overall positive predictive value was 57% with individual predictive values of 47%, 54%, and 70% among three examiners. The individual predictive values correlated directly with the average level of confidence of the diagnoses for each examiner. The sensitivity of the individual examiner for ulcer detection had an inverse relation to the examiner's positive predictive value, confirming that higher sensitivities are achieved at the expense of an increased false-positive rate.

Duodenitis: endoscopic-radiologic correlation in 272 patients

Potential radiologic findings of duodenitis were investigated in 272 patients, 157 with endoscopically diagnosed duodenitis and 115 endoscopically normal controls. The study assessed the value of four signs: folds more than 4 mm thick, mucosal nodules, bulbar deformity, and erosions. The most sensitive signs were thickened folds (72.0%) and nodularity (48.4%), while demonstration of erosions was the least sensitive (10.8%). Overall sensitivity (77.7%) approximated that for the radiologic diagnosis of peptic ulcer or esophagitis. Radiologic specificity (76.5%) was in the same range.

Predictive relationship of hiatal hernia to reflux esophagitis

The relationship between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis was compared in 93 patients who underwent both radiographic and endoscopic examination of the esophagus. In 46 patients with a normal esophagus shown endoscopically, hiatal hernia was present in 59%, while 94% of 47 patients with reflux esophagitis had hiatal hernia. The positive and negative predictive values for hiatal hernia in diagnosing or excluding esophagitis were 62% and 86%, respectively. Extrapolation of these data and review of the literature suggest that much of the confusion concerning the relationship between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis is based on reports of populations with considerable variation in the prevalence of esophagitis and in which the radiographic criteria for diagnosing hiatal hernia have not been uniformly applied.

Respiratory complications of gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and its many manifestations are extremely common problems. The pulmonary manifestations are the least well understood and are often unrecognized. We reviewed the available literature on the subject of respiratory tract symptoms secondary to chronic GER in an attempt to promote wider recognition of this relationship. We hope that this review will call attention to the potential importance of GER in those patients in whom such a mechanism might be responsible for pulmonary symptoms.

The radiologic detection of duodenal ulcers: effects of examiner variability, ulcer size and location, and technique

Study of 91 endoscopically verified duodenal ulcers compared the effects of examiner variability, ulcer size and location, and radiographic technique on ulcer detection. Radiologic sensitivity of 61.5% was found for the entire group of 91 ulcers. Examiner variability was the strongest determinant of success; sensitivities for individual examiners ranged from 44.4% to 80%. Ulcer size was a second factor in radiologic detectability; ulcers 5 mm or larger were detected at a higher rate (80.0%) than those less than 5 mm (64.5%). Sensitivities of 65.9% and 57.4% were recorded for single- and double-contrast examinations, respectively, a statistically insignificant difference.

Barrett esophagus as an extension of severe esophagitis: analysis of radiologic signs in 29 cases

Twenty-nine cases of Barrett esophagus verified by endoscopy and 16 cases confirmed by histology were reviewed for pertinent radiologic signs. All patients had barium-filled and mucosal relief films, and all but five cases had double-contrast films. Common radiologic signs in descending order were thickened and irregular mucosal folds (28/29), hiatal hernia (26/29), esophageal stricture (25/29), esophageal ulcer (20/29), distal esophageal widening (19/29), granular mucosal pattern (16/24), reticular mucosal pattern (9/24), and intramural pseudodiverticula (6/29), all of which are also recognized signs of reflux esophagitis. Midesophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, and distal esophageal widening were particularly indicative of Barrett esophagus. Since there appears to be no specific sign of Barrett esophagus, a multifaceted approach is suggested concentrating on the association of Barrett esophagus with the radiographic signs of severe reflux esophagitis.