Heartburn as a Marker of the Success of Acid Suppression Therapy in Chronic Cough.

PURPOSE: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is commonly thought to play an important role in chronic cough and patients are often empirically treated with acid suppression therapy. We sought to investigate the response rate to acid suppression treatment in patients with and without heartburn attending two specialist cough clinics. METHODS: A retrospective review of 558 consecutive patients referred to two specialist cough clinics was performed (UK and USA). Patients who were treated with acid suppression were included and their documented response to treatment was collected. Binary logistic regression was used to ascertain the value of reported heartburn in predicting the response of chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. RESULTS: Of 558 consecutive referrals, 238 patients were excluded due to missing data or cough duration of < 8 weeks. The remaining 320 patients were predominantly female (76%), with mean age 61 yrs (± 13) and 96.8% non-smokers, with chronic cough for 36 (18-117) months. Of 72 patients with heartburn, 20 (28%) noted improvement in their cough with acid suppression, whereas of 248 without heartburn, only 35 (14%) responded. Patients reporting heartburn were 2.7 (95% C.I. 1.3-5.6) times more likely to respond to acid suppression therapy (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In specialist cough clinics, few patients report a response of their chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. Nonetheless, heartburn is a useful predictor substantially increasing the likelihood of benefit.

Esophageal dysmotility according to Chicago classification v3.0 vs v2.0: Implications for association with reflux, bolus clearance, and allograft failure post-lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Proximal reflux and incomplete transit of boluses swallowed are risk factors for obstructive chronic lung allograft dysfunction (o-CLAD) post-lung transplantation (LTx). Likewise, so is esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), but not hypo-contractility, when diagnosed using Chicago Classification (CC) v3.0. Given, peristaltic breaks as defined using CCv2.0 can prolong esophageal clearance, both swallowed and refluxed, but which are deemed within normality using CCv3.0, our aim was to determine whether hypo-contractility as diagnosed using CCv2.0, influences the association with reflux, along with its clearance, and that of boluses swallowed, and thus its association to allograft failure. METHODS: Esophageal motility abnormalities were classified using CC v3.0 and v2.0 in 50 patients post-LTx (26 female, 55 years (20-73 years)). RESULTS: Reclassification from CCv3.0 to v2.0 resulted in 7 patients with normal motility being reclassified to hypo-contractility (n = 6) or hyper-contractility (n = 1); 2 patients with hypo-contractility to normal motility; and 3 patients with EGJOO without hyper-contractility to EGJOO with hyper-contractility. The main consequence of reclassification was that the sub-group exhibiting hypo-contractility became more likely to have abnormal numbers of reflux events (P = .025) and incomplete bolus transit (P = .002) than those with normal motility using CCv2.0; associations not seen using CCv3.0. Irrespective of CC used only patients with EGJOO appeared more likely to develop o-CLAD than those with normal motility (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of CC used, o-CLAD appears linked to EGJOO. CCv2.0 however, accentuates the increased reflux and incomplete bolus transit associated with hypo-contractility post-LTx, suggesting that these motor abnormalities, though considered minor, may be of importance after lung transplant.

Weak peristalsis with large breaks in chronic cough: association with poor esophageal clearance.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux plays an important role in chronic cough (CC). Whether disturbed esophageal motility contributes to increased esophageal reflux exposure or interferes with swallowed bolus clearance is unclear. This study used high resolution esophageal manometry and impedance (HRIM) together with Chicago Classification, and 24-h impedance pH (MII/pH) to address these questions in patients with CC compared with heartburn (HB). METHODS: A retrospective review of 32 patients with CC (mean age 57 [95% CI: 52-62] years) and 32 patients with symptoms of HB (55 [52-62] years) referred for HRIM and MII/pH between September 2012 and September 2013 was undertaken. KEY RESULTS: Weak peristalsis with large breaks (WPLBs) was observed in 34% of CC patients compared with only 12% of HB patients (p = 0.027). Pathological acid exposure time (AET) was identified in 81% of CC patients with WPLBs compared with 29% without (p = 0.011). Increased AET was associated with prolonged clearance time of refluxed events (p = 0.006) rather than increased number of events. AET correlated with the percentage of peristaltic events with large breaks in CC (ρ = 0.467, p = 0.007). Similar data were obtained for total bolus (acid and non-acid) exposure time. Only one of the CC patients with WPLBs exhibited complete bolus transit (CBT) on swallowing compared with 81% without WPLBs (p < 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of peristaltic events associated with CBT negatively correlated with the percentage of peristaltic events with large breaks (r = -0.653, p < 0.001) in CC. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: One-third of CC patients exhibit WPLBs, which directly impacts on clearance of refluxed events and bolus's swallowed. These observations may have important implications for esophageal-bronchial interaction in CC.

Nutcracker esophagus: demographic, clinical features, and esophageal tests in 115 patients.

Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a common esophageal motility disorder chacterized by high amplitude peristaltic contractions in the distal esophagus. While previous studies have examined selected aspects of this condition (e.g. pathogenesis and treatment), there is a paucity of data regarding demographic and clinical features in large cohorts of patients. The aim of this study was to describe demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, time to diagnosis, source of patient referral by specialty, and medication use in a large cohort of patients with NE. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive cases of NE diagnosed from 2008-2010. The electronic medical records of these patients were reviewed, and relevant information was extracted. We identified 115 patients with NE. The median age was 62 years (range 25-87 years), and 63% were female. The median time patients experienced symptoms prior to diagnosis was 24 months (0-480 months). Most patients presented to an internal medicine consultant (42%) or to a gastroenterologist (35%). Presenting symptoms were chest pain (31%) and dysphagia (21%). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were common: heartburn occurred in 51% of patients, 77% had a prior history of GERD, and 78% were receiving acid suppressive medications. GERD was confirmed by testing in at least 35%. Psychiatric comorbidity occurred in 24% with half the patients receiving psychotropic medications. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia co-existed in 15% and 12% of patients, respectively. Surprisingly, opioids were prescribed to 26% of patients. No statistically significant correlation was found between esophageal motility parameters and symptoms. In this study, NE patients were more commonly middle-aged females experiencing a considerable amount of time between symptom onset and diagnosis. Many were initially evaluated by internists for dysphagia or chest pain and had a history of GERD. Medication prescribed prior to diagnoses frequently involved acid suppression, but narcotic and psychotropic prescriptions were also commonly used. Central sensitization syndromes (fibromyalgia and IBS), psychiatric comorbidity, and reflux commonly coexisted. Our study suggests that future investigations should address the role and interaction of GERD and psychiatric disorders in NE.

The outcome of patients with oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration after an eight-week trial of a proton pump inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Current diagnostic guidelines recommend that eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) should be diagnosed only after GERD is excluded by a lack of response to a trial of acid suppression. There is limited information available providing outcome data about the effectiveness of this approach. AIM: To examine the impact of double-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on symptoms, endoscopic and histological features in patients with documented oesophageal eosinophilia consistent with EoE (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field). METHODS: Sixty consecutive symptomatic patients with documented oesophageal eosinophilia received open-label omeprazole 20 mg orally twice daily before meals for 8 weeks. Clinical, endoscopic and histological (resolution: 0-5 eosinophils/HPF, partial improvement: 5-14 eosinophils/HPF), or no improvement: (≥15 eosinophils/HPF) evaluation was repeated at the end of this period. An expert GI pathologist, unaware of the study aims, reviewed all slides. RESULTS: Clinical improvement occurred in 43 (71.6%), endoscopic signs were reduced in 34 (61.8%) and normalised in 12 (21.8%), and histologically, 34 (56.6%) improved, while 15 (25%) obtained complete resolution. Overall, 22 patients (36.7%) obtained both complete clinical and histological remission. CONCLUSIONS: More than 50% of patients with documented oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration in the EoE range improved when treated with a double-dose PPI trial for 8 weeks. These findings support the published guidelines recommending a PPI trial prior to diagnosing EoE, and confirm the existence of an eosinophilic oesophageal infiltrationPPI-responsive population.

Utilization of wireless pH monitoring technologies: a summary of the proceedings from the esophageal diagnostic working group.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be difficult to diagnose - symptoms alone are often not enough, and thus, objective testing is often required. GERD is a manifestation of pathologic levels of reflux into the esophagus of acidic, nonacidic, and/or bilious gastric content. However, in our current evidence-based knowledge approach, we only have reasonable outcome data in regards to acid reflux, as this particular type of refluxate predictably causes symptoms and mucosal damage, which improves with medical or surgical therapy. While there are data suggesting that nonacid reflux may be responsible for ongoing symptoms despite acid suppression in some patients, outcome data about this issue are limited. Therefore, this working group believes that it is essential to confirm the presence of acid reflux in patients with 'refractory' GERD symptoms or extraesophageal symptoms thought to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux before an escalation of antireflux therapy is considered. If patients do not have pathologic acid reflux off antisecretory therapy, they are unlikely to have clinically significant nonacid or bile reflux. Patients who do not have pathologic acid gastroesophageal reflux parameters on ambulatory pH monitoring then: (i) could attempt to discontinue antisecretory medications like proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists (which are expensive and which carry risks - i.e. C. diff, etc.); (ii) may undergo further evaluation for other causes of their esophageal symptoms (e.g. functional heartburn or chest pain, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, achalasia, other esophageal motor disorders); and (iii) can be referred to an ear, nose, and throat/pulmonary/allergy physician for assessment of non-GERD causes of their extraesophageal symptoms.

Esophageal spasm: demographic, clinical, radiographic, and manometric features in 108 patients.

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) remains insufficiently understood. Here we aimed to summarize the demographic, clinical, radiographic, and manometric features in a large cohort of patients with DES. We identified all consecutive patients diagnosed with DES from 2000 to 2006 at Mayo Clinic Florida. The computerized records of these patients were reviewed to extract relevant information. We performed 2654 esophageal motilities during that period. There were 108 patients with esophageal spasm, and 55% were female. Median age was 71 years. The most common leading symptom was dysphagia in 55, followed by chest pain in 31. Weight loss occurred in 28 patients. The median of time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 48 months (range 0-480), with a median of time from the first medical consultation to diagnosis of 8 months (range 0-300). The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and psychiatric problems. At presentation, 81 patients were taking acid-reducing medications, and 49 patients were taking psychotropic drugs. An abnormal esophagogram was noted in 46 of 76 patients with this test available, but most radiographic findings were nonspecific with the typical 'corkscrew' appearance seen in only three patients. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was diagnosed by pH testing or endoscopy in 41 patients. We did not find any difference between the rate of simultaneous contractions or esophageal amplitude between patients with a leading symptom of dysphagia and those with chest pain. DES is an uncommon motility disorder that often goes unrecognized for years. Physicians should be aware of the clinical heterogeneity of DES and consider motility testing early in the course of unexplained esophageal symptoms. Given the high prevalence of GERD in DES, the role of GERD and the impact of acid-reducing therapy in DES deserve further study.

A comparison of high definition-image enhanced colonoscopy and standard white-light colonoscopy for colorectal polyp detection.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colonoscopy is widely used to detect and remove precancerous polyps, but fails to detect some polyps. Recent studies evaluating different image-enhanced methods have revealed conflicting results. The efficacy of colonoscopy imaging with simultaneous use of commercially available improvements, including high definition narrow band imaging (HD-NBI), and monochromatic charge-coupled device (CCD) video, was compared with a widely used standard definition white light (SDWL) colonoscopy system for detecting colorectal polyps. The primary aim was to determine whether the combination of image-enhanced colonoscopy systems resulted in fewer missed polyps compared with conventional colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov. study number NCT00825292) patients having routine screening and surveillance underwent tandem colonoscopies with SDWL and image-enhanced (HD-NBI) colonoscopy. The main outcome measurement was the per-polyp false-negative ("miss") rate. Secondary outcomes were adenoma miss rate, and per-patient polyp and adenoma miss rates. RESULTS: 100 patients were randomized and 96 were included in the analysis. In total, 177 polyps were detected; of these, 72 (41 %) were adenomatous. Polyp and adenoma miss rates for SDWL colonoscopy were 57 % (60/105) and 49 % (19/39); those for image-enhanced colonoscopy were 31 % (22/72) and 27 % (9/33) (P = 0.005 and P = 0.036 for polyps and adenomas, respectively). Image-enhanced and SDWL approaches had similar per-patient miss rates for polyps (6/35 vs. 9/32, P = 0.27) and adenomas (4/22 vs. 8/20, P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of multiple recent improvements in image-enhanced colonoscopy was associated with a reduced miss rate for all polyps and for adenomatous polyps. It is not known which individual feature or combination of image-enhancement features led to the improvement.

Oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic oesophagitis clinically presents with recurrent episodes of dysphagia and food impaction. Recently, we observed patients with noncardiac chest pain and eosinophilic oesophagitis. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of abnormal eosinophilic infiltration in noncardiac chest pain patients and examine diagnostic utility of demographic, clinical and endoscopic variables to predict eosinophilic oesophagitis. METHODS: Retrospective study of 171 consecutive patients referred for EGD evaluation of noncardiac chest pain. Endoscopic signs consistent with eosinophilic oesophagitis were recorded. The histological findings were grouped as normal: 0-5 eosinophils/high power field (e/hpf), indeterminate: 6-20 e/hpf, and eosinophilic oesophagitis: ≥21 e/hpf. Abnormal eosinophilic infiltration was defined as ≥6 e/hpf. RESULTS: Abnormal eosinophilic infiltrate was noted in 24 patients (14%). Thirteen (8%) had indeterminate counts, while 11 (6%) had eosinophilic oesophagitis. Compared with normal, those with abnormal oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration were more likely to be male (71% vs. 34%, P=0.001), have allergies (29% vs. 12%, P=0.050), have current GER symptoms (42% vs. 18%, P=0.013), rings (54% vs. 22%, P=0.002), furrows (21% vs. 1%, P<0.001) and abnormal eosinophilic oesophagitis findings on endoscopy (67% vs. 32%, P=0.001). Of the 24 abnormal patients, 23 (96%) were either male or had rings, furrows, or white specks. Conversely, 68 of 69 patients (99%) who were female did not have rings, furrows, or white specks, and endoscopy was normal. Eight patients (33%) with abnormal eosinophilic infiltration had a normal endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic oesophagitis should be considered in the evaluation of noncardiac chest pain. Our findings suggest that oesophageal biopsies should be obtained particularly in males with recurrent unexplained chest pain, whether endoscopy is normal or abnormal.

Inter-observer agreement for multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing.

Twenty-four-hour ambulatory multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH detects both acid and nonacid reflux (NAR). A computer-based program (Autoscan™, Sandhill Scientific, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA) automates the detection of reflux episodes, increasing the ease of study interpretation. Inter-observer agreement between multiple reviewers and with Autoscan™ for the evaluation of significant NAR with MII-pH has not been studied in the adult population. Twenty MII-pH studies on patients taking a proton pump inhibitor twice daily were randomly selected. Autoscan™ analyzed all studies using the same pre-programmed parameters. Four reviewers interpreted the MII-pH studies, adding or deleting reflux episodes detected by Autoscan™. Positive studies for NAR and total reflux episodes were based on published criteria. Cohen's kappa statistic (κ) evaluated inter-observer agreement between reviewers and Autoscan™ analysis. The average κ for pathologic NAR between reviewers was 0.57 (0.47-0.70), and between reviewers and Autoscan™ was 0.56 (0.4-0.8). When using the total reflux episode number as a marker for pathologic reflux (acid and NAR), the κ score was 0.72 (0.61-0.89) between reviewers, and 0.74 (0.53-0.9) when evaluating total reflux episodes. Two reviewers agreed more often with each other and with Autoscan™ on the number of NAR episodes, while the other two reviewers agreed with each other, but did not agree with either Autoscan™ or the first two reviewers. Inter-observer agreement between reviewers and Autoscan™ for detecting pathologic NAR is moderate, with reviewers either excluding more of the Autoscan™-defined events or excluding fewer events and therefore agreeing with Autoscan™.

International validation of a health-related quality of life questionnaire in patients with erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Although erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent condition, there is no specific, valid, reliable and sensitive questionnaire that allows evaluating treatment-induced changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). AIM: To design a self-administered questionnaire, the GERD Analyzer (GERDyzer), for use in clinical studies. METHODS: The GERDyzer comprises 10 dimensions each illustrated by pictogram-like drawings, simplifying communication with the patients. Self-assessment is performed by 100 mm Visual Analogue Scales. For validation, a 5-week clinical trial involving 395 patients (per-protocol) with oesophagitis was conducted. Patients were treated with pantoprazole (40 mg o.d.) for 28 days. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness and construct validity. RESULTS: Factor analysis showed consistency of the dimensions and no reduction was necessary. Validation of GERDyzer indicated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.91). Responsiveness of the total score expressed by nonparametric effect size was 1.38. Comparison of scores with other questionnaires resulted in logical correlation levels depending on the respected concepts measured. Conclusions GERDyzer proved to be highly valid, reproducible and responsive. It allows reliably assessing treatment-induced changes in HRQoL in erosive GERD.

Effect of pantoprazole in older patients with erosive esophagitis.

Several studies suggest that older adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more likely to develop complications, including erosive esophagitis, but it is unclear whether erosive esophagitis is more difficult to treat in older patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if adults > or = 65 years with erosive esophagitis are more difficult to treat than younger adults. The study was a post hoc analysis of two double-blind, randomized, multicenter trials of patients with erosive esophagitis. Patients received pantoprazole 40 mg once daily, nizatidine 150 mg twice daily or placebo. Patients were evaluated for endoscopic healing at 4 and 8 weeks. Patients recorded typical reflux symptoms using a daily diary to note presence or absence of symptoms. Results showed that 44, 13 and 11 patients > or = 65 years and 210, 69, and 71 patients < 65 received pantoprazole 40 mg daily, nizatidine 150 mg twice daily, or placebo, respectively. Eighty-six percent (86%[76%, 97% CI]) of older and 83% (78%, 88% CI) of younger pantoprazole-treated patients were healed at 8 weeks; 46% (19%, 73% CI) and 35% (24%, 46% CI) of nizatidine-treated and 27% (1%, 54% CI) and 34% (23%, 45% CI) of placebo-treated were healed at 8 weeks. Median time to persistent absence of GERD-related symptoms was similar for older and younger patients treated with pantoprazole. We conclude that older patients with erosive esophagitis do not appear to have more difficult-to-treat disease. Erosive esophagitis is effectively healed and GERD symptoms are controlled in older patients using pantoprazole 40 mg daily.

Changes in esophageal motility after porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy for Barrett's dysplasia and mucosal carcinoma.

Esophageal dysmotility is common in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Previously we have reported deterioration of esophageal motility after photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a heterogeneous group of patients with esophageal carcinoma. This prospective study in consecutive patients describes changes in motility noted after endoscopic ablation. Forty-seven patients referred to our institution for endoscopic ablation for Barrett's high grade dysplasia or mucosal carcinoma between August 2001 and May 2003 were prospectively evaluated with esophageal manometry before and after porfimer sodium PDT. Six patients did not complete the study. Manometry results were classified as normal, diffuse esophageal spasm, ineffective esophageal motility, or aperistalsis. Abnormal esophageal motility was found in 14 of 47 (30%) patients at study entry ([diffuse esophageal spasm] DES-3, [ineffective esophageal motility] IEM-7, Aperistalsis-4). After PDT, 11 of 41 patients with paired studies experienced a change in manometric diagnosis. Three patients had an improvement in motility, seven a worsening and one changed diagnosis, but did not particularly worsen or improve. No patient developed new aperistalsis. Therefore, abnormal motility was present in 19 of 41 (46%) patients after PDT (DES-2, IEM-14, Aperistalsis-3). There was a statistically significant (P = 0.016) relationship with longer segment Barrett's esophagus and deterioration of function. Baseline abnormalities in motility can occur in patients with Barrett's high-grade dysplasia or mucosal carcinoma. Changes in esophageal function also may occur following photodynamic therapy, but usually are not clinically significant. Worsening in function was more likely to occur in patients with longer segment Barrett's esophagus.

Review article: the role of acid suppression in patients with non-erosive reflux disease or functional heartburn.

When patients with the typical reflux symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, or both, undergo endoscopy, up to 75% will not have endoscopic oesophagitis or evidence of Barrett's oesophagus. These patients have been described as having endoscopic negative or, more commonly, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Patients without oesophagitis, but with a positive pH test, can be diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some experts also consider a response to proton pump inhibitor therapy as proof of GERD in a patient with the correct symptoms and a negative endoscopy. Patients with normal acid exposure, but who report symptoms with a majority of their reflux episodes documented during an ambulatory pH study, have also been considered to have NERD, although others have labelled them as having 'functional heartburn'. Finally, there are some patients who have reflux symptoms and respond to reflux therapy, but have no demonstrable reflux by either endoscopy or ambulatory reflux testing. Whether these patients are part of the GERD spectrum or have another diagnosis is not clear. It seems that the most widely used definition of functional disease (the Rome II criteria) would include these patients as having functional heartburn, as it was defined as 'greater than or equal to 12 weeks of either continuous or intermittent symptoms of burning retrosternal discomfort or pain without pathologic GERD, achalasia, or other motility disorders with a recognized pathologic basis'. This article reviews potential differences in pathophysiology between erosive oesophagitis and NERD; explores whether symptoms can help distinguish NERD patients from erosive oesophagitis patients; and explores the evaluation and therapy of these patients.

Clinical experience of patients undergoing photodynamic therapy for Barrett's dysplasia or cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Barrett's oesophagus is the most important risk factor in the increase in incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium is the only approved endoscopic treatment for use in patients with Barrett's high-grade dysplasia. AIM: To determine clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings and treatment complications in Barrett's high-grade dysplasia patients undergoing photodynamic therapy. METHODS: We reviewed our experience using porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy to treat patients with Barrett's oesophagus and high-grade dysplasia or mucosal carcinoma. Data collected included patients characteristics, presentation symptoms, endoscopic findings, subsequent use of surveillance endoscopy and outcome after photodynamic therapy. RESULTS: Since 1997, 102 patients with Barrett's high-grade dysplasia (69 patients) or mucosal adenocarcinoma (33 patients) have been treated with photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium as an alternative to oesophagectomy (median series follow-up time = 1.6 years). Almost half (46%) of patients had high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma detected on their first endoscopy and the remainder (54%) were found during surveillance of known Barrett's oesophagus. Symptoms typically associated with oesophageal disease were only found in 29 of 47 (62%) patients in whom dysplasia/carcinoma was detected on the initial endoscopy - chest pain in 13 patients, dysphagia in nine patients and chronic gastro-oesophageal disease in seven patients. Comparison of endoscopic characteristics found the median Barrett's glandular segment length was significantly shorter in adenocarcinoma patients (median 3 cm; range: 1-12) vs. Barrett's high-grade dysplasia patients (median 5 cm; range: 1-16, P < 0.001). Overall treatment results found complete ablation of glandular epithelium with one course of photodynamic therapy in most patients (56%). Stricture requiring dilation occurred in 20 patients (20%) was the most common serious adverse event. Photodynamic therapy failed to ablate dysplasia or carcinoma in four patients and subsequent oesophagectomy was curative in three of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 40% of newly diagnosed patients with Barrett's associated dysplasia or carcinoma had no oesophageal symptoms and had carcinoma associated with short segment (3 cm or less). Photodynamic therapy is a highly effective, safe and minimally invasive first-line treatment for patients with Barrett's dysplasia and mucosal adenocarcinoma.

Successful oesophageal pH monitoring with a catheter-free system.

BACKGROUND: Traditional catheter-based oesophageal pH testing is limited by patient discomfort and the tendency for patients to alter their diet and activities during the study. A catheter-free pH monitoring system (Bravo) designed to avoid these problems has recently become available, but the advantages and limitations of this device have not been fully explored. AIM: To report our initial experience with this new technology. METHODS: The records of consecutive patients undergoing Bravo pH monitoring were reviewed. The squamo-columnar junction was localized endoscopically and the pH capsule was placed 6 cm above this junction. All patients were re-endoscoped immediately following placement to document mucosal attachment. Patients were monitored for 24-48 h and then returned the radiotelemetry recording device. Data were subsequently downloaded to a personal computer. RESULTS: Sixty studies were performed over an 11-month period. In seven of the 60 (12%), the probe did not attach properly, but in six of these a replacement probe was prepared and deployed without difficulty. In one case, the probe could not be attached after two attempts and the procedure was abandoned. During one procedure, the probe was attached to the mucosa at a point 9 cm from the squamo-columnar junction, but a positive test result was obtained. In two cases, the data were not initially retrievable from the recorder, but in one case the manufacturer was able to retrieve the data overnight. Finally, two patients were away from the data recorder for extended periods, resulting in a loss of data, in two cases, but there was sufficient information for interpretation in both studies. Therefore, adequate diagnostic data were obtained in 58 of the 60 (97%) studies. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-free pH testing is a major advance in patient convenience and comfort. The technical difficulties associated with this new technology are minimal and appear to be no more frequent than those seen with catheter-based systems.

Esophageal dysmotility in patients undergoing photodynamic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the esophageal motility of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett esophagus with high-grade dysplasia before and after photodynamic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study conducted between January 1998 and October 1999, esophageal motility testing of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal body was performed with a water-perfused catheter, 2 days before and at least 3 weeks after patients underwent photodynamic therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett esophagus. Results were classified as normal motility, ineffective esophageal motility, or aperistalsis. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were studied, 13 with carcinoma and 10 with Barrett esophagus. Overall, 11 patients (48%) had normal motility, 6 (26%) had ineffective esophageal motility, and 6 (26%) had aperistalsis. Five patients with aperistalsis had carcinoma. Follow-up tracings after photodynamic therapy found that 6 patients (26%) had normal motility, 7 (30%) had ineffective esophageal motility, and 10 (43%) had aperistalsis. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal dysmotility is common in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett esophagus. Photodynamic therapy may worsen esophageal motility in some patients. Dysphagia after photodynamic therapy therefore may be related to underlying esophageal dysmotility and may not always be caused by stricture or underlying carcinoma.

Lichen planus involving the esophagus.

Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneus disorder that rarely involves the esophagus. We report two challenging cases presenting with recurrent dysphagia originally suspected due to gastroesophageal reflux. Subsequent evaluation revealed peculiar endoscopic findings of desquamative esophagitis leading to the diagnosis of lichen planus of the esophagus. This disorder should be considered in middle age or elderly women presenting with unexplained dysphagia or odynophagia. In this paper we review the available literature on the subject and summarize every case reported to date.