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Gastroenterology May 2022Dysphagia is a common symptom with significant impact on quality of life. Our diagnostic armamentarium was primarily limited to endoscopy and barium esophagram until the... (Review)
Review
Dysphagia is a common symptom with significant impact on quality of life. Our diagnostic armamentarium was primarily limited to endoscopy and barium esophagram until the advent of manometric techniques in the 1970s, which provided the first reliable tool for assessment of esophageal motor function. Since that time, significant advances have been made over the last 3 decades in our understanding of various esophageal motility disorders due to improvement in diagnostics with high-resolution esophageal manometry. High-resolution esophageal manometry has improved the sensitivity for detecting achalasia and has also enhanced our understanding of spastic and hypomotility disorders of the esophageal body. In this review, we discuss the current approach to diagnosis and therapeutics of various esophageal motility disorders.
Topics: Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Motility Disorders; Humans; Manometry; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35227779
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.289 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Jan 2021Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) is the updated classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high-resolution manometry (HRM). Fifty-two... (Review)
Review
Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) is the updated classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high-resolution manometry (HRM). Fifty-two diverse international experts separated into seven working subgroups utilized formal validated methodologies over two-years to develop CCv4.0. Key updates in CCv.4.0 consist of a more rigorous and expansive HRM protocol that incorporates supine and upright test positions as well as provocative testing, a refined definition of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction (EGJOO), more stringent diagnostic criteria for ineffective esophageal motility and description of baseline EGJ metrics. Further, the CCv4.0 sought to define motility disorder diagnoses as conclusive and inconclusive based on associated symptoms, and findings on provocative testing as well as supportive testing with barium esophagram with tablet and/or functional lumen imaging probe. These changes attempt to minimize ambiguity in prior iterations of Chicago Classification and provide more standardized and rigorous criteria for patterns of disorders of peristalsis and obstruction at the EGJ.
Topics: Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Motility Disorders; Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse; Esophagogastric Junction; Humans; Manometry
PubMed: 33373111
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14058 -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2020Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by aberrant peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients most commonly...
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by aberrant peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients most commonly present with dysphagia to solids and liquids, regurgitation, and occasional chest pain with or without weight loss. High-resolution manometry has identified 3 subtypes of achalasia distinguished by pressurization and contraction patterns. Endoscopic findings of retained saliva with puckering of the gastroesophageal junction or esophagram findings of a dilated esophagus with bird beaking are important diagnostic clues. In this American College of Gastroenterology guideline, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process to provide clinical guidance on how best to diagnose and treat patients with achalasia.
Topics: Disease Management; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Humans; Manometry; Peristalsis
PubMed: 32773454
DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000731 -
Clinical and Experimental Emergency... Dec 2018The objective is to review a case of pneumoparotitis and to discuss how knowledge of this unique presentation is important when making differential diagnoses in...
The objective is to review a case of pneumoparotitis and to discuss how knowledge of this unique presentation is important when making differential diagnoses in emergency medicine. A patient with recurrent subcutaneous emphysema of the head and neck is reviewed. Stenson's duct demonstrated purulent discharge. Physical examination revealed palpable crepitance of the head and neck. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and barium esophagram were normal. Computed tomography demonstrated left pneumoparotitis and subcutaneous emphysema from the scalp to the clavicles. This is an unusual presentation of pneumoparotitis and malingering. Emergency physicians should be aware of pneumoparotitis and its presentation when creating a differential diagnosis for pneumomediastinum, which includes more life-threatening diagnoses such as airway or esophageal injuries.
PubMed: 30571908
DOI: 10.15441/ceem.17.291 -
American Family Physician Jun 2000Dysphagia is a problem that commonly affects patients cared for by family physicians in the office, as hospital inpatients and as nursing home residents. Familiar... (Review)
Review
Dysphagia is a problem that commonly affects patients cared for by family physicians in the office, as hospital inpatients and as nursing home residents. Familiar medical problems, including cerebrovascular accidents, gastroesophageal reflux disease and medication-related side effects, often lead to complaints of dysphagia. Stroke patients are at particular risk of aspiration because of dysphagia. Classifying dysphagia as oropharyngeal, esophageal and obstructive, or neuromuscular symptom complexes leads to a successful diagnosis in 80 to 85 percent of patients. Based on the patient history and physical examination, barium esophagram and/or gastroesophageal endoscopy can confirm the diagnosis. Special studies and consultation with subspecialists can confirm difficult diagnoses and help guide treatment strategies.
Topics: Algorithms; Constriction, Pathologic; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential; Esophagus; Humans; Neuromuscular Diseases; Oropharynx
PubMed: 10892635
DOI: No ID Found -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Aug 2018Antireflux surgery anatomically restores the antireflux barrier and is a therapeutic option for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease or... (Review)
Review
Antireflux surgery anatomically restores the antireflux barrier and is a therapeutic option for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease or PPI intolerance. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the standard antireflux surgery, though its popularity has declined due to concerns regarding wrap durability and adverse events. As the esophagogastric junction is an anatomically complex and dynamic area subject to mechanical stress, wraps are susceptible to disruption, herniation or slippage. Additionally, recreating an antireflux barrier to balance bidirectional bolus flow is challenging, and wraps may be too tight or too loose. Given these complexities it is not surprising that post-fundoplication symptoms and complications are common. Perioperative mortality rates range from 0.1 to 0.2% and prolonged structural complications occur in up to 30% of cases. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with a comprehensive retroflexed examination of the fundoplication and barium esophagram are the primary tests to assess for structural complications. Management hinges on differentiating complications that can be managed with medical and lifestyle optimization versus those that require surgical revision. Reoperation is best reserved for severe structural abnormalities and troublesome symptoms despite medical and endoscopic therapy given its increased morbidity and mortality. Though further data are needed, magnetic sphincter augmentation may be a safer alternative to fundoplication.
Topics: Decision Trees; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Fundoplication; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 29899438
DOI: 10.1038/s41395-018-0115-7 -
Cureus Oct 2022Laryngotracheal wounds are rare; however, they have a significant mortality rate. These wounds can be blunt or penetrating. Usually, the larynx is protected from blunt... (Review)
Review
Laryngotracheal wounds are rare; however, they have a significant mortality rate. These wounds can be blunt or penetrating. Usually, the larynx is protected from blunt trauma by the sternum and jaw. A "clothesline" injury happens when the exposed neck is struck by a hard object, such as a wall wire or tree branch, or when an attack is intended to damage the larynx. Additionally, injuries may occur when the neck is stressed due to damage, such as in a rear-end accident that causes a whiplash-like injury or when the larynx is intentionally targeted for harm. Penetrating neck trauma may result in injury to the larynx. Assume a patient has suffered a penetrating or severe neck injury. It is usually evident from their medical history or a quick trauma evaluation in that case. However, it is recommended to be cautious for anterior neck injuries in general and to have a low threshold for establishing a surgical airway. The priority is securing an airway when a patient with a laryngeal injury arrives in the emergency room. The operating surgeon may request any flexible laryngoscopy, computed tomography (CT), esophagram, and chest X-ray for additional examination, depending on the nature of the damage and the patient's health. After the examination, the initial step in treating laryngeal injuries should be to locate and secure the airway. According to the evaluation and management based on the Schaefer classification system for laryngeal injury, the patient is treated based on whether the patient has impending airway obstruction or a stable airway. Medical management or observation and surgical management depend on the site and severity of the injury, patient condition, and type of injury. There are several complications related to laryngotracheal trauma, which can be minor or even fatal. Following successful treatment, postoperative and rehabilitative care, vocal rest, speech therapy, and swallowing therapy may be necessary.
PubMed: 36348916
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29877