Treatment of esophageal motility disorders based on the chicago classification

Esophageal Dysphagia in Adults: When It Sticks

Esophageal dysphagia is a common yet difficult to diagnose condition. This article underscores the role of detailed patient history and physical examinations, including prompt endoscopic evaluation, for accurate differentiation between esophageal and oropharyngeal dysphagia. The authors discuss the heightened importance of early intervention in certain patient groups, such as elderly individuals and patients with head and neck cancer, to mitigate the risk of malnutrition and infection. The authors delve into etiologic factors highlighting the complexity of clinical presentations and the significance of tailored management strategies.

Association of esophageal motility disorder symptoms with Chicago classification versions 3.0 and 4.0 using high-resolution esophageal manometry: A single-center experience from Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The Chicago Classification (CC) was developed as a robust framework to enable clinicians to better understand and classify the nature of motility disorders. Previous studies have primarily focused on the CC version 3.0 (CCv3.0), and data regarding the correlation between symptoms and CC version 4.0 (CCv4.0) in the Saudi Arabian population are lacking. This study aimed to assess the correlation between symptoms and CCv3.0 and CCv4.0 using high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) in Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of both classifications.

METHODS

A total of 182 patients presenting with esophageal symptoms were included in this study. HRM was performed to assess esophageal motility, and patients' reported symptoms were recorded. The association between HRM findings and symptomatic variables was analyzed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

RESULTS

Variability was observed in the diagnostic performance of symptomatic variables for major EMDs. CCv4.0 demonstrated a higher sensitivity for dysphagia than CCv3.0; however, it exhibited lower sensitivity to atypical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) exhibited the highest specificity and PPV, whereas typical GERD symptoms showed lower specificity.

CONCLUSION

CCv4.0 demonstrated potential improvements in sensitivity for dysphagia, but lower sensitivity for atypical GERD symptoms, compared with CCv3.0. These insights provide guidance for clinicians in Saudi Arabia and contribute to understanding the diagnostic performance of CCv3.0 and CCv4.0.

[Therapy of esophageal motility disorders]

Esophageal motility disorders are diseases in which there are malfunctions of the act of swallowing due to a change in neuromuscular structures. The main symptom is therefore dysphagia for solid and/or liquid foods, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss. Esophageal manometry is the gold standard in diagnostics. Endoscopy and radiology serve to exclude inflammatory or malignant changes. With the introduction of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders has improved and led to a new classification with the Chicago Classification, which has been modified several times in the last decade, most recently in 2020 with the Chicago Classification v4.0. Compared to the previous version 3.0, there are some important changes that are presented based on the most important esophageal motility disorders in everyday clinical practice.

[Therapy of esophageal motility disorders]

Esophageal motility disorders are diseases in which there are malfunctions of the act of swallowing due to a change in neuromuscular structures. The main symptom is therefore dysphagia for solid and/or liquid foods, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss. Esophageal manometry is the gold standard in diagnostics. Endoscopy and radiology serve to exclude inflammatory or malignant changes. With the introduction of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders has improved and led to a new classification with the Chicago Classification, which has been modified several times in the last decade, most recently in 2020 with the Chicago Classification v4.0. Compared to the previous version 3.0, there are some important changes that are presented based on the most important esophageal motility disorders in everyday clinical practice.

Jackhammer Esophagus: Current Concepts and Dilemmas

Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a recently recognized esophageal motility disorder that is characterized by hypercontractile peristalsis. More than 500 cases have been reported in the literature. Among patients referred for esophageal motility disorders, the prevalence of JE ranges from 0.42% to 9%, with most series describing a prevalence of 2% to 4%. Most cases are women (60.5%). The mean reported age of patients with JE is 65.2 years, and patients commonly have dysphagia (62.8%). Reflux symptoms occur in ∼40% of patients, and chest pain affects more than one-third of patients (36.4%). JE is a heterogenous disorder that is associated with several conditions, including obesity, opioid use, lung transplantation, eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus, neoplasia, and systemic diseases. The cause and pathogenesis remain unknown, but several observations suggest that it is the result of multiple conditions that likely precipitate increased excitation and abnormal inhibition of neuromuscular function. The natural course of JE also is unknown, but progression to achalasia has been observed in a few patients. Treatment is challenging, in part because of the insufficient understanding of the disorder's underlying mechanisms. Various therapeutic modalities have been used, ranging from observation only to pharmacologic and endoscopic interventions (eg, botulinum toxin injection) to peroral endoscopic myotomy. Treatment efficacy remains largely anecdotal and insufficiently studied.

The Prevalence of Esophageal Disorders Among Voice Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux-A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of esophageal disorders among voice patients with intractable laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) who have undergone 24 pH impedance and esophageal manometry.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with LPR-associated dysphonia in the absence of subjective dysphagia who presented between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2019 and underwent 24 pH impedance and esophageal manometry studies after inadequate response to lifestyle modifications, high dose of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPIs), H2 blockers, alkaline water, and Gaviscon (GlaxoSmithKline, Warren, NJ, USA). The comorbidities, medications, Strobovideolaryngoscopy findings, 24 pH impedance, and esophageal manometry results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 109 patients ages 19 to 80 years old, with a mean age of 51.5 (SD 16.8). About 24.8% of the 109 subjects were found to have peristaltic wave abnormalities indicating esophageal dysmotility (11% with esophageal stasis). Lower esophageal sphincter pressures were normotensive in 56.9% of patients, hypertensive in 24.8%, and hypotensive in 18.4% of patients. In addition, the upper esophageal sphincter pressures were normotensive in 57.8% of patients, hypertensive in 36.7%, and hypotensive in 2.8% of patients. About 12.6% had both lower esophageal sphincter and upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction (hypertensive or hypotensive). The average total reflux events in patients exhibiting dysmotility on manometry 101.81, which was significantly higher compared with the mean total of 61.28 in the group of patients without dysmotility (P= 0.0396). In addition, there was a significantly higher prevalence of total events that were weakly acidic in the group with dysmotility compared with the group without (all patients performed the study on reflux medications, mean of total weakly acidic events 70.2 in dysmotility group vs 44.2 in normal motility group, P= 0.0427).Finally, the average number of total supine reflux events and the total acidic supine events were both significantly higher in the dysmotility group compared with the group without motility problems (P = 0.0199 and P = 0.0213, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Esophageal dysmotility may be a significant cofactor in voice patients with refractory LPR on appropriate reflux medications and lifestyle modifications. Further research is advised.

Anticholinergic, anti-depressant and other medication use is associated with clinically relevant oesophageal manometric abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Medications can affect gastrointestinal tract motility. However, their effects on oesophageal motility in particular are often not as widely known or may be underestimated.

AIM

To review the effect of existing medication use on high-resolution oesophageal manometry (HRM) in a 'real-world' setting.

METHODS

Adult patients with upper gut symptoms and normal endoscopy or imaging who had HRM over a 22-month period were analysed. Achalasia and major disorders of peristalsis were excluded. All medications taken within 24 hours of the procedure were prospectively recorded and compared with HRM results, controlling for age, gender and proton pump inhibitor use.

RESULTS

A total of 502 patients (323 female, mean age 51) were recruited. Of these, 41.2% had normal oesophageal HRM, while 41.4% had ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM) and 7.6% had oesophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (OGJOO). Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) and opioids were associated with significantly higher resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. Benzodiazepines and opioids were associated with elevated integrated relaxation pressure. SNRI and inhaled beta-agonists were associated with increased distal contractile index, whereas calcium channel blockers were associated with a lower distal contractile index. Odds ratio of being on anticholinergics was higher in IOM patients vs normal (3.6, CI 1.2-10.8). Odds ratio for anticholinergics, inhaled beta-agonists, anticonvulsants, SNRIs and opioids (trend) were all > 3 for OGJOO patients vs normal.

CONCLUSION

Many medication classes are associated with abnormal HRM variables and diagnoses such as OGJOO and IOM; some of these associations are probably causal. These possible links should be taken into consideration during manometry interpretation.

Mosapride Improves Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Esophageal Body Function in Patients With Minor Disorders of Esophageal Peristalsis

Background/Aims

High-resolution manometry (HRM) has broadened the awareness of minor esophageal peristaltic disorders. However, the treatments for these minor disorders are limited and the role of prokinetics has been controversial. This study evaluates the effect of mosapride in patients with minor peristaltic disorders.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled 21 patients with esophageal symptoms who were diagnosed with minor peristaltic disorders by gastroscopy and HRM using the Chicago classification version 3.0. Patients received mosapride 30 mg daily for 2 weeks. Symptoms were assessed using the abbreviated World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and a HRM study was performed before and after 2 weeks of treatment.

Results

HRM metrics of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) respiratory mean pressure (median 14.6 mmHg vs 17.3 mmHg; interquartile range [IQR] 8.7-22.5 mmHg vs 12.5-25.9 mmHg; P = 0.004) and distal contractile integral (median 343.8 mmHg·sec·cm vs 698.1 mmHg·sec·cm; IQR 286.5-795.9 mmHg·sec·cm vs 361.0-1127.6 mmHg·sec·cm; P = 0.048) were significantly increased after treatment. Complete response (≥ 80.0%), satisfactory response (≥ 50.0%), partial response (< 50.0%), and refractory response rates were 19.0%, 52.4%, 14.3%, and 14.3%, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference in all WHOQOL-BREF scores before and after treatment. Univariate analysis showed LES respiratory mean pressure (P = 0.036) was associated with symptom improvement (complete + satisfactory group). However, no statistical difference was found in other factors after multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Mosapride improved esophageal symptoms and significantly increased LES respiratory mean pressure and distal contractile integral. Therefore, mosapride could enhance LES and esophageal body contraction pressures in patients with minor peristaltic disorders.

Gastrointestinal Uses of Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin (BT), one of the most powerful inhibitors that prevents the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, represents an alternative therapeutic approach for "spastic" disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssynergia.BT has proven to be safe and this allows it to be a valid alternative in patients at high risk of invasive procedures but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to its relatively short duration of action. Administration of BT has a low rate of adverse reactions and complications. However, not all patients respond to BT therapy, and large randomized controlled trials are lacking for many conditions commonly treated with BT.The local injection of BT in some conditions becomes a useful tool to decide to switch to more invasive therapies. Since 1980, the toxin has rapidly transformed from lethal poison to a safe therapeutic agent, with a significant impact on the quality of life.

The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines

Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.

Gender, medication use and other factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in non-obstructive dysphagia

Background

High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the diagnostic test of choice for evaluation of non-obstructive dysphagia. Studies regarding the predictors of esophageal dysmotility are limited. Therefore, our aim was to study the prevalence of and factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients with non-obstructive dysphagia who underwent HREM in a tertiary center between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015. After obtaining IRB approval (16-051), clinical records were scrutinized for demographic data, symptoms, medication use, upper endoscopic findings and esophageal pH findings. HREM plots were classified per Chicago Classification version 3.0. Primary outcome was prevalence of esophageal motility disorders; secondary outcomes assessed predictive factors.

Results

In total, 155 patients with non-obstructive dysphagia (55 ± 16 years old, 72% female) were identified. HREM diagnosis was normal in 49% followed by ineffective esophageal motility in 20%, absent contractility in 7.1%, achalasia type II in 5.8%, outflow obstruction in 5.2%, jackhammer esophagus in 4.5%, distal esophageal spasm in 3.9%, fragment peristalsis in 1.9%, achalasia type I in 1.9%, and achalasia type III in 0.6%. Men were five times more likely to have achalasia than women [odds ratio (OR) 5.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-14.2; P = 0.001]. Patients with erosive esophagitis (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1-7.7; P = 0.027) or using calcium channel blockers (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.4; P = 0.015) were three times more likely to have hypomotility disorders.

Conclusion

From this study, we concluded that HREM diagnosis per Chicago Classification version 3.0 was normal in 49% of patients with non-obstructive dysphagia. Male gender, erosive esophagitis and use of calcium channel blockers were predictive of esophageal motility disorders.

The Effect of Anti-reflux Therapy on Patients Diagnosed with Minor Disorders of Peristalsis in High-resolution Manometry

Background/Aims

Minor disorders of peristalsis are esophageal motility disorders categorized by the Chicago Classification (CC), version 3.0, which was announced in 2014. This study evaluated the efficacy of anti-reflux therapy in patients with minor peristaltic disorders.

Methods

Patients with minor peristaltic disorders in accordance with CC v3.0 were included. We reviewed the medical records of patients with esophageal high-resolution manometry findings, and investigated the demographic and clinical information as well as the medical therapy. Thereafter, the response to treatment was assessed after at least 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

A total of 24 patients were identified as having minor disorders of peristalsis from January 2010 to December 2015. The mean follow-up period was 497 days, and there were 17 patients (70.8%) patients with ineffective esophageal motility. In terms of anti-reflux therapy, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with prokinetic agents and PPIs alone were prescribed in 19 patients (79.2%) and 5 patients (20.8%), respectively. When the rate of response to the treatment was assessed, the responders rate (complete+satisfactory [≥50%] responses) was 54.2% and the non-responders rate (partial [<50%]+refractory responses) was 45.8%. Patients in the responder group were younger than those in the non-responder group (p=0.020). Among them, 13 patients underwent 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH, and 10 patients (76.9%) were pathologic gastroesophageal reflux.

Conclusions

The majority of esophageal minor peristaltic disorders were accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux, and therefore, they might respond to acid inhibitor. Further well-designed, prospective studies are necessary to confirm the effect of anti-reflux therapy in these patients.

[Esophageal motility disorders]

Esophageal motility disorders are a group of diseases that result in swallowing dysfunction due to changes in neuromuscular structures, which coordinate esophageal function. Besides achalasia, which is the best defined functional disturbance of the esophagus, there are other motility disorders, namely hypercontractile (diffuse esophageal spasm, nutcracker or jackhammer esophagus, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter) and hypocontractile disorders, whose origins and disease mechanisms are not yet well understood. The main symptoms are dysphagia and thoracic pain. Diagnosis is usually made by means of esophageal manometry, while endoscopy and barium swallow are essential to exclude inflammatory or neoplastic changes. The introduction of high resolution manometry (HRM) with up to 36 pressure points that are simultaneously measured on the esophageal catheter has changed diagnosis and assessment, and has led—with the Chicago Classification—to a new functional classification of esophageal motility disorders. In the following review, the most important motility disorders of the esophagus are introduced.

Early clinical experience with the POEM procedure for achalasia

BACKGROUND

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a viable alternative to standard Heller myotomy for surgical treatment of achalasia. Outcomes from the United States, Europe and Asia have been reported. We sought to report data after the initiation of POEM in a Canadian centre.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with achalasia in a research ethics board-approved pilot study. Surgeons learned the POEM procedure in a systematic manner that included visiting experts in POEM, practice in an animal laboratory and mentoring from POEM experts. Preoperative evaluation included manometry, 24-hour pH, barium swallow, endoscopy and Eckhardt Symptom Score. All patients underwent gastrograffin swallow on postoperative day 1. Patients were re-evaluated using the Eckhardt score on postoperative day 14.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent POEM. Seven patients had previous endoscopic treatments: 6 had balloon dilatation and 1 had botulinum toxin injection. Mean preoperative Eckhardt score was 8.1 ± 2.4. Mean preoperative lower esophageal sphincter resting and residual pressure was 32.3 ± 9.2 and 20.8 ± 5.3, respectively. Mean duration of surgery was 141.3 ± 43.7 minutes. Mean length of hospital stay was 1 day. No major perioperative complications occurred. On postoperative day 14, the mean Eckhardt score was 1 ± 1.2.

CONCLUSION

Our approach to POEM introduction was systematic and deliberate. The procedure is safe, feasible and has good perioperative outcomes. Our early results are consistent with current literature.

Pseudoachalasia: Still a Tough Clinical Challenge

Patient: Male, 81

Final Diagnosis: Pseudoachalasia

Symptoms: Dysphasia

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Endoscopy ultrasound

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Treatment of gastrointestinal sphincters spasms with botulinum toxin A

Botulinum toxin A inhibits neuromuscular transmission. It has become a drug with many indications. The range of clinical applications has grown to encompass several neurological and non-neurological conditions. One of the most recent achievements in the field is the observation that botulinum toxin A provides benefit in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Although toxin blocks cholinergic nerve endings in the autonomic nervous system, it has also been shown that it does not block non-adrenergic non-cholinergic responses mediated by nitric oxide. This has promoted further interest in using botulinum toxin A as a treatment for overactive smooth muscles and sphincters. The introduction of this therapy has made the treatment of several clinical conditions easier, in the outpatient setting, at a lower cost and without permanent complications. This review presents current data on the use of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia

Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging novel endoscopic procedure for the treatment of achalasia by incision of LES via a submucosal tunnel. On the basis of initial data suggesting an acceptable safety profile and excellent short-term symptom resolution, there is growing enthusiasm in favor of POEM. In this review we outline the technical aspects of POEM, summarize the available data on safety and outcomes, and suggest future directions for further advancement of this minimally invasive approach for the treatment of achalasia.