High-Resolution Manometry and Impedance-pH/Manometry: Valuable Tools in Clinical and Investigational Esophagology  Peter J. Kahrilas, Daniel Sifrim  Gastroenterology  Volume 135, Issue 3, Pages 756-769 (September 2008) DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048 Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Typical pressure topography of a swallow spanning the entire esophagus from the pharynx (locations 0–2 cm) to stomach (locations 32–35 cm) of a normal subject with normal peristalsis and normal EGJ relaxation. Note that the transition zone demarcating the end of the proximal esophageal segment (striated muscle) and the beginning of the distal esophageal segment (smooth muscle) is readily identified and the minimal pressure within the transition zone demarcates the end of the striated muscle segment and the beginning of the smooth muscle segment. The onset of the deglutitive relaxation window is defined by the onset of upper sphincter relaxation and the offset is either 10 seconds later or at the time of arrival of the peristaltic contraction. The spatial domain within which EGJ relaxation is assessed is user defined, spanning ≥6 cm, depending on the extent of esophageal shortening (and LES elevation) after the swallow. Gastroenterology 2008 135, 756-769DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Methodology for quantifying deglutitive EGJ relaxation within the relaxation window detailed in Figure 1. (A) Cumulative duration of EGJ relaxation in seconds as the relaxation pressure cutoff was increased; for example, for a relaxation pressure cutoff of 10 mmHg, the EGJ residual pressure was equal to or less than this value for about 5 seconds. (B) An x–y transposition of A illustrating the marginal relaxation pressure as the specified duration of relaxation is increased from 0 to 10 seconds. This plot was used to calculate the 4-second IRP value (indicated) which is the integral of the curve (shaded) divided by 4 seconds. The 3-second nadir eSleeve measure of deglutitive relaxation is quantitatively similar to the 4-second IRP value, but has the requirement that the relaxation period analyzed be contiguous leaving it subject to crural diaphragm artifact in individuals with rapid respiration. Gastroenterology 2008 135, 756-769DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 3 Differentiating a rapid pressurization front velocity (PFV) attributable to compartmentalized esophageal pressurization (top) from a rapidly propagated contraction (bottom). The upper panel illustrates a swallow with functional obstruction at the EGJ. Note that the 30-mmHg isobaric contour line (black) deviates quickly from the propagating contractile wavefront highlighted by the 50-mmHg isobaric contour line (blue). The PFV of the 30-mmHg isobaric contour domain is 8.2 cm/s and would fit criteria for a rapid contraction, but is in fact attributable to impaired EGJ relaxation with a residual pressure >30 mmHg. However, the PFV of the 50-mmHg isobaric contour would be normal, because this cutoff exceeds the residual EGJ pressure, making it substantial enough to achieve luminal closure despite the abnormal downstream resistance. In contrast, the lower panel represents a swallow with rapid PFV attributable to spasm. The 30- and 50-mmHg isobaric contours parallel each other, indicating that no compartmentalized esophageal pressurization has occurred; the entire distal esophagus is contracting simultaneously. Gastroenterology 2008 135, 756-769DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 4 The distinction between achalasia associated with panesophageal pressurization (left) and vigorous achalasia (right). In each case, the black line indicates the 30-mmHg isobaric pressure contour and the blue line the 50-mmHg isobaric pressure contour. Both examples have grossly impaired EGJ relaxation evident by the integrity of the 30-mmHg isobaric contour along the upper margin of the sphincter domain. Gastroenterology 2008 135, 756-769DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 5 Ambulatory esophageal impedance-pH monitoring in a patient “on” PPI. The upper 6 channels display impedance changes in the esophageal body. The last channel displays esophageal pH measured 5 cm proximal to LES. Note that A and B are weakly acidic gastroesophageal reflux episodes (oral impedance changes) of gas and liquid content (impedance increases and then decreases) with a pH drop to greater than 4. In contrast, C and D are normal impedance changes induced by swallows without (C) and with (D) air. Gastroenterology 2008 135, 756-769DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2008.05.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions