[Nutcracker esophagus. Analysis of 80 patients].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The nutcracker esophagus, a primary motor disorder, is frequently associated with noncardiac chest pain.

AIM:

To study the clinical, endoscopic, manometric, and pathological features and 24 h acid reflux in patients with nutcracker esophagus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Eighty patients (63 females, aged 26 to 70 years) with nutcracker esophagus, defined as the presence of contraction waves of more than 180 mmHg in the esophageal manometry, were studied. All were subjected to an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 24 h esophageal pH monitoring and a new manometric study.

RESULTS:

Eighty percent of patients had symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux, 31% had retrosternal pain and 25% had dysphagia. Upper endoscopy was normal in 41% and showed erosive esophagitis or Barrett esophagus in 27%. Fifty percent of patients had an abnormal acid reflux. There were no significant differences in manometric parameters between patients with and without acid reflux.

CONCLUSIONS:

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux not necessarily mean that a pathological reflux is present. Primary motor disorders of the esophagus may cause similar symptoms.

• Authors: Attila Csendes, Carlos Cárcamo, Ana Henríquez
• Journal: Revista medica de Chile (Rev Med Chil) Vol. 132 Issue 2 Pg. 160-4 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0034-9887 [Print] Chile
• Vernacular Title: Características clínicas, endoscópicas, manométricas y magnitud de reflujo gastroesofágico ácido patológico en pacientes con esófago en cascanueces. Análisis prospectivo de 80 pacientes.
• PMID: 15449551 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Esophageal Motility Disorders (diagnosis)
• Esophagoscopy
• Female
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (diagnosis)
• Gastroscopy
• Humans
• Male
• Manometry
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Sex Distribution