Management, treatment and prognostic significance of lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer-a regional cohort study.

PURPOSE: Lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer remain a clinical challenge. Different treatment regimens have been suggested. This retrospective regional cohort study examines outcome after combined oncological and surgical treatment of MRI-positive lateral lymph nodes (LLN). METHODS: Data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR) and patient records were used for retrospective analysis of resected high-risk rectal cancers between 2009 and 2014. The aim was to compare tumour characteristics, neoadjuvant therapy, recurrence and outcome after lateral lymph node dissection. RESULTS: One thousand and one hundred nineteen cases were identified and after exclusion 344 patients with cT3-T4 ≤ 10 cm from the anal verge were analysed. Thirty (8.7%) patients with MRI-positive LLN were identified. Synchronous distant metastases were associated with MRI-positive LLN (p-value 0.019). Long-course chemoradiotherapy was clinical practice in cases of MRI-positive LLN. No differences in local (p-value 0.154) or distant (p-value 0.343) recurrence rates between MRI-positive LLN patients and MRI-negative patients were detected. Only four patients underwent lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). There was no significant difference in overall survival during follow-up between the MRI-negative (CI at 95%; 99-109 months) and MRI-positive group (CI at 95%; 69-108 months; p-value 0.14). CONCLUSION: Lateral lymph node metastases present a challenging clinical situation. The present study shows that combination of neoadjuvant therapy and selective LLND is an applicable strategy in cases of MRI-positive LLN.

A Device that Models Human Swallowing.

The pharynx is critical for correct swallowing, facilitating the transport of both air and food transport in a highly coordinated manner, and aberrant co-ordination causes swallowing disorders (dysphagia). In this work, an in vitro model of swallowing was designed to investigate the role of rheology in swallowing and for use as a pre-clinical tool for simulation of different routes to dysphagia. The model is based on the geometry of the human pharynx. Manometry is used for pressure measurements and ultrasonic analysis is performed to analyze the flow profiles and determine shear rate in the bolus, the latter being vital information largely missing in literature. In the fully automated model, bolus injection, epiglottis/nasopharynx movement, and ultrasound transducer positioning can be controlled. Simulation of closing of the airways and nasal cavity is modulated by the software, as is a clamping valve that simulates the upper esophageal sphincter. The actions can be timed and valves opened to different degrees, resembling pathologic swallowing conditions. To validate measurements of the velocity profile and manometry, continuous and bolus flow was performed. The respective velocity profiles demonstrated the accuracy and validity of the flow characterization necessary for determining bolus flow. A maximum bolus shear rate of 80 s-1 was noted for syrup-consistency fluids. Similarly, the manometry data acquired compared very well with clinical studies.

Improved Prognosis and Low Failure Rate with Anticoagulation as First-Line Therapy in Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Monotherapy with anticoagulation has been considered as first-line therapy in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome, prognostic factors, and failure rate of anticoagulation as monotherapy, and to identify when bowel resection was needed. METHODS: Retrospective study of consecutive patients with MVT diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of MVT was 1.3/100,000 person-years. Among 120 patients, seven died due to autopsy-verified MVT without bowel resection and 15 underwent immediate bowel resection without prior anticoagulation therapy. The remaining 98 patients received anticoagulation monotherapy, whereof 83 (85%) were treated successfully. Fifteen patients failed on anticoagulation monotherapy, of whom seven underwent bowel resection and eight endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapy was followed by bowel resection in three patients. Two late bowel resections were performed due to intestinal stricture. The 30-day mortality rate was 19.0% in the former (2000-2007) and 3.2% in the latter (2008-2015) part of the study period (p = 0.006). Age ≥75 years (OR 12.4, 95% CI [2.5-60.3]), management during the former as opposed to the latter time period (OR 8.4, 95% CI [1.3-54.7]), and renal insufficiency at admission (OR 8.0, 95% CI [1.2-51.6]) were independently associated with increased mortality in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term prognosis in patients with MVT has improved. Contemporary data show that monotherapy with anticoagulation is an effective first choice in MVT patients.

Clinical implications of CT findings in mesenteric venous thrombosis at admission.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association of computed tomography (CT) findings at admission and bowel resection rate in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). It was hypothesized that abnormal intestinal findings on CT were associated with a higher bowel resection rate. METHODS: Retrospective study of MVT patients treated between 2004 and 2017. CT images at admission and at follow-up were scrutinized according to a predefined protocol. Successful recanalization was defined as partial or complete recanalization of the portomesenteric venous thrombosis at the latest CT follow-up (n = 70). RESULTS: We studied 102 patients (median age 58 years, 61 men). Lifelong anticoagulation was initiated in 64 patients, and bowel resection rate was 17%. No referral letter indicated suspicion of MVT, whereas three indicated suspected intestinal ischemia. Previous venous thromboembolism was associated with increased bowel resection rate (p = 0.049). No patient with acute pancreatitis (n = 17) underwent bowel resection (p = 0.068). The presence of mesenteric oedema (p = 0.014), small bowel wall oedema (p < 0.001), small bowel dilatation (p = 0.005), and ascites (p = 0.021) were associated with increased bowel resection rate. Small bowel wall oedema remained as an independent risk factor associated with bowel resection (OR 15.8 [95% CI 3.2-77.2]). Successful thrombus recanalization was achieved in 66% of patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of abnormal intestinal findings secondary to MVT confers an excess risk of need of bowel resection due to infarction. Responsible physicians should therefore scrutinize the CT images at diagnosis together with the radiologist to better tailor clinical surveillance.

Long-term retromuscular and intraperitoneal mesh size changes within a randomized controlled trial on incisional hernia repair, including a review of the literature.

Purpose Ingrowth of fibroblasts in a polypropylene mesh may cause contraction and a later recurrence. We assessed mesh contraction in intraabdominal and retromuscular implantation after incisional hernia repair. METHODS: A cohort of patients within an RCT on laparoscopic (LHR) versus open hernia repair (OHR) had their mesh borders marked with metal clips. X-ray was performed on postoperative day 1 and after 1 year. Total length, width, and dislocation were measured. A tacker fixated large-pore polypropylene mesh was used in LHR, and a retromuscular small-pore heavy-weight mesh was sutured to the midline in OHR. Patient's pain was assessed before surgery and after 1 year. RESULTS: For analysis 37/47 patients remained: 20 LHR and 17 OHR. Hernia defect area was median 41 cm2 in LHR and 25 cm2 in OHR (p < 0.140). Implanted mesh size was 300 cm2 for LHR and 240 cm2 for OHR (p < 0.341). After 1 year the mesh area decreased by 4.4% and 0.5% in LHR and OHR, respectively (p < 0.063). Longitudinal distance decreased by 2.8% in LHR and by 2.6% in OHR (p < 0.269). Transverse distance decreased by 1.6% in LHR but increased by 3.1% in OHR (p < 0.005). Dislocation was seen in four LHR and one OHR. Two recurrent and one port-site hernia were diagnosed after LHR. Measurements between observers were identical in 58% and consensus was made in the remainder. Pain was not correlated to mesh area change. CONCLUSIONS: Mesh contraction after 1 year is not a clinical issue for an intraperitoneal large-pore mesh or a retromuscular small-pore mesh. It is not correlated to postoperative pain.

One-year follow-up after open abdomen therapy with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction.

BACKGROUND: Open abdomen (OA) therapy frequently results in a giant planned ventral hernia. Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) enables delayed primary fascial closure in most patients, even after prolonged OA treatment. Our aim was to study the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall discomfort 1 year after abdominal closure. METHODS: A prospective multicenter cohort study of 111 patients undergoing OA/VAWCM was performed during 2006-2009. Surviving patients underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and chart review at 1 year. Incisional and parastomal hernias and abdominal wall symptoms were noted. RESULTS: The median age for the 70 surviving patients was 68 years, 77 % of whom were male. Indications for OA were visceral pathology (n = 40), vascular pathology (n = 22), or trauma (n = 8). Median length of OA therapy was 14 days. Among 64 survivors who had delayed primary fascial closure, 23 (36 %) had a clinically detectable hernia and another 19 (30 %) had hernias that were detected on CT (n = 18) or at laparotomy (n = 1). Symptomatic hernias were found in 14 (22 %), 7 of them underwent repair. The median hernia widths in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were 7.3 and 4.8 cm, respectively (p = 0.031) with median areas of 81.0 and 42.9 cm(2), respectively (p = 0.025). Of 31 patients with a stoma, 18 (58 %) had a parastomal hernia. Parastomal hernia (odds ratio 8.9; 95 % confidence interval 1.2-68.8) was the only independent factor associated with an incisional hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional hernia incidence 1 year after OA therapy with VAWCM was high. Most hernias were small and asymptomatic, unlike the giant planned ventral hernias of the past.

Breathing and swallowing in normal man--effects of changes in body position, bolus types, and respiratory drive.

BACKGROUND: Coordination of breathing and swallowing is essential for airway protection and dyscoordination may cause morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Using a recently developed technique for high accuracy respiratory measurements of airflow during swallowing, we investigated the effects of body position (upright vs left lateral), bolus type (spontaneously swallowed saliva vs water), and respiratory drive (normo- vs hypercapnia) on coordination of breathing and swallowing in 32 healthy volunteers. KEY RESULTS: Swallows were in all cases (100%) proceded by expiration and 98% were also followed by expiration, regardless of body position, bolus type, or respiratory drive. While the endpoint of postswallow apnea correlated well to the endpoint of pharyngeal swallowing, duration of preswallow apnea was highly variable. In a small fraction of swallows followed by inspiration (3%), the expiratory phase before swallowing and duration of postswallow apnea was significantly longer. Body position and respiratory drive affected the increase in upper esophageal sphincter tone during inspiration. Increased respiratory drive also reduced swallowing frequency and shortened duration of preswallow apnea. Water swallows had longer duration of preswallow apnea. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Swallowing occurs during the expiratory phase of respiration, and the fraction of swallows preceded and followed by expiration approach 100% in healthy humans. This integration between breathing and swallowing remains unchanged regardless of body position, bolus characteristics, or respiratory drive. Our results provide a platform for future studies aiming at understanding how this integration is changed by aging, diseases, and drugs.

CT angiography followed by endovascular intervention for acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion does not increase risk of contrast-induced renal failure.

OBJECTIVES: Acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion can be diagnosed in an early phase by computed tomography (CT) angiography, which is also a prerequisite for endovascular intervention. However, the issue of development of postoperative permanent renal failure due to contrast-induced nephropathy has not been evaluated. DESIGN: Retrospective MATERIALS: A total of 55 patients with acute SMA occlusion were retrieved from the in-hospital register during a 4-year period between 2005 and 2009. METHODS: Glomerular filtration rate was calculated as a simplified variant of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group (MDRD). RESULTS: Preoperative renal insufficiency was found in 52%; advanced state in one patient. Creatinine was lower (p = 0.018) at discharge (median: 71 micromol L(-1)), compared to admission (median: 76 micromol L(-1)), in the 32 survivors exposed to repeated iodinated contrast media (median: 54.7 g iodine). No patient died due to renal failure or needed dialysis after endovascular intervention. Endovascular intervention was associated with a higher survival rate (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serious acute contrast-induced nephropathy was not found in patients diagnosed by CT angiography and treated by endovascular procedures for acute SMA occlusion. Elevated serum creatinine levels should not deter the clinician from ordering a CT angiography in patients with suspicion of acute SMA occlusion.

Impact of MDCT with intravenous contrast on the survival in patients with acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Acute thromboembolic occlusion in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a condition with high mortality and morbidity. Multi-detector computerised tomography with intravenous contrast enhancement (MDCTiv) may improve diagnostic accuracy and survival. Patients with acute SMA occlusion were identified between 2004 and 2008 at Malmö University Hospital, Sweden. Medical records were analysed. Each MDCTiv was re-evaluated. A total of 67 patients were identified with SMA occlusion, of which 36 were examined with MDCTiv and ten with plain MDCT without intravenous contrast. In all, 24 (67%) of the 36 patients were correctly diagnosed by MDCTiv at first evaluation. Clinical suspicion of intestinal ischemia followed by a distinct inquiry for intestinal ischemia was associated with trend for a higher rate of correct radiological diagnosis, 18 of 23 (78%), at first evaluation (0.06) but without affecting in-hospital survival (p = 0.27). At re-evaluation, SMA occlusion was found in all cases with MDCTiv, whereas intestinal findings were present in half. In-hospital mortality rate was 42% for patients who underwent MDCTiv, which was significantly lower compared to 90% for the ten patients examined with plain MDCT (p = 0.007) and 71% for patients not examined with MDCTiv or plain MDCT (p = 0.031). Patients that underwent plain MDCT had higher levels of creatinine compared to those examined with MDCTiv (p = 0.005). Patients who underwent intestinal revascularisation, endovascular or open, had higher survival rate (p = 0.001). Examination with MDCTiv in patients with acute SMA occlusion was associated with survival benefit. Hence, MDCTiv seems to be the method of choice in the workup phase. Radiologists should routinely describe the mesenteric vessels in patients with acute abdomen even when the diagnosis is not asked for. Patients with high creatinine levels are at risk to be examined without intravenous contrast, and survival in these patients is poor.

Swallowing and respiratory pattern in young healthy individuals recorded with high temporal resolution.

The coordination of swallowing and respiration is essential for a safe swallow. Swallowing consists of several subsecond events. To study this, it is important to use modalities with high temporal resolution. In this study, we have examined young healthy individuals with simultaneous videofluoroscopy, videomanometry and respiratory recording, all with high temporal resolution. The onset of 13 predetermined swallowing and respiratory events and the surrounding respiratory phase pattern were studied in different body positions and during different respiratory drives. An increased respiratory drive was induced by breathing 5% CO(2). The results demonstrated a highly repeatable and fixed temporal coordination of the swallowing pattern despite body position and respiratory drive. Previous studies have demonstrated a period of centrally controlled apnoea during swallowing. This apnoea period has a variable length, varying from 1 to 5 s. During increased respiratory drive, we could demonstrate a significantly shorter period of apnoea during swallowing, mainly due to an earlier resumption of respiration. The high temporal recordings in this study have revealed that swallowing during expiration is present basically in all healthy individuals. This swallowing respiratory pattern seems to be appropriate for a safe swallow. This knowledge will be used as a reference for future studies on how swallowing and respiratory coordination might be altered due to ageing and diseases.

Findings in multi-detector row CT with portal phase enhancement in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis.

There exists no systematic evaluation on the findings in multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) with portal phase enhancement in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). Patients with MVT between 2004 and 2006 were identified at Malmö University Hospital, Sweden. Thirty patients had MVT. Median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 46-72), and 57% (17) were men. MDCT with portal phase enhancement showed MVT in 19 out of 20 investigated patients at first evaluation, even though there was clinical suspicion in only one, and conservative management was possible in 19 (95%). Central and peripheral MVT was seen in 20 (100%) and six (30%) cases, respectively. Extra-hepatic and intra-hepatic portal and splenic vein thrombosis was seen in 17 (85%), nine (45%) and 15 (75%) cases, respectively. Venous collaterals were visible in 12 (60%) cases. The most frequent extra-vascular pathologies were mesenteric oedema (50%), ascites (40%), small bowel wall oedema (25%) and local small bowel wall dilatation (20%). The vascular findings in MVT are more pronounced than the intestinal findings in MDCT with portal phase enhancement, and evaluation of the mesenteric vessels should be included in routine MDCT scans for unclear acute abdomen.

Effect of barium sulfate contrast medium on rheology and sensory texture attributes in a model food.

BACKGROUND: The swallowing process can be visualized using videoradiography, by mixing food with contrast medium, e.g., barium sulfate (BaSO(4)), making it radiopaque. The sensory properties of foods may be affected by adding this medium. PURPOSE: To evaluate if and to what extent sensory and rheological characteristics of mango purée were altered by adding barium sulfate to the food. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study evaluated four food samples based on mango purée, with no or added barium sulfate contrast medium (0%, 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5%), by a radiographic method, and measured sensory texture properties and rheological characteristics. The sensory evaluation was performed by an external trained panel using quantitative descriptive analysis. The ease of swallowing the foods was also evaluated. RESULTS: The sensory texture properties of mango purée were significantly affected by the added barium in all evaluated attributes, as was the perception of particles. Moreover, ease of swallowing was significantly higher in the sample without added contrast medium. All samples decreased in extensional viscosity with increasing extension rate, i.e., all samples were tension thinning. Shear viscosity was not as dependent on the concentration of BaSO(4) as extensional viscosity. CONCLUSION: Addition of barium sulfate to a model food of mango purée has a major impact on perceived sensory texture attributes as well as on rheological parameters.

Epidemiology, risk and prognostic factors in mesenteric venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological reports on risk and prognostic factors in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) are scarce. METHODS: Patients with MVT were identified through the inpatient and autopsy registry between 2000 and 2006 at Malmö University Hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients had MVT, diagnosed at autopsy in six. The highest incidence (11.3 per 100,000 person-years) was in the age category 70-79 years. Activated protein C resistance was present in 13 of 29 patients tested. D-dimer at admission was raised in all five patients tested. Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) in the portal venous phase was diagnostic in all 20 patients investigated, of whom 19 were managed conservatively. The median length of resected bowel in 12 patients who had surgery was 0.6 (range 0.1-2.2) m. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 20 percent; intestinal infarction (P = 0.046), treatment on a non-surgical ward (P = 0.001) and CT not done (P = 0.022) were associated with increased mortality. Cancer was independently associated with long-term mortality: hazard ratio 4.03, 95 percent confidence interval 1.03 to 15.85; P = 0.046. CONCLUSION: Portal venous phase CT appeared sensitive in diagnosing MVT. As activated protein C resistance was a strong risk factor, lifelong anticoagulation should be considered.

Dysphagia and dysmotility of the pharynx and oesophagus in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of pharyngeal and oesophageal symptoms and dysmotility in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and relate these to autonomic nervous function. METHODS: Twenty consecutive pSS patients, according to the American-European Consensus Criteria (AECC), and 30 age- and sex-matched controls from the Swedish general population registry were studied. All subjects completed a pharyngeal and oesophageal symptoms questionnaire and were examined by pharyngeal and oesophageal video radiography. In addition, the pSS patients were examined by two different autonomic nervous function tests, the deep breathing test [calculating the expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio] and the finger skin blood flow test [the vasoconstriction (VAC) index]. RESULTS: pSS patients experienced significantly more dysphagia compared with controls (65% vs. 3%; p<0.001). Pharyngeal (45% vs. 7%; p<0.01), oesophageal (80% vs. 7%; p<0.001) and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (60% vs. 23%; p<0.01) were also more prevalent in pSS patients compared with controls while pharyngeal (15% vs. 17%; p = NS) and oesophageal dysmotility (40% vs. 30%; p = NS) were not. Dysphagia was not associated with dysmotility but was found to be associated with a decreased E/I ratio [-1.05 (-1.51 to -0.40) in patients with dysphagia vs. -0.21 (-0.39 to 0.65) in patients without dysphagia; p<0.01]. CONCLUSION: Subjective swallowing difficulties were more common in pSS patients than in controls while objective signs of pharyngeal and oesophageal dysmotility were not. Dysphagia in pSS patients does not seem to be related to video radiographical signs of dysmotility but may be related to an impaired parasympathetic function.

Oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Gastroparesis is a common gastrointestinal complication in diabetes mellitus, whereas dysfunction in the other gastrointestinal organs has been less thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, it is not known whether there is any relationship between motility and dysmotility between these organs. The aim of this study was to examine whether diabetic patients with gastrointestinal symptoms also have motility disturbances in the oesophagus and stomach and, if so, whether there are any associations between these disturbances. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with diabetes mellitus who complained of gastrointestinal symptoms were asked to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms. They were further investigated with oesophageal manometry and gastric emptying scintigraphy. RESULTS: Fifty-eight per cent of the patients had abnormal oesophageal function, and 68% had delayed gastric emptying. Abdominal fullness was the only symptom that related to any dysfunction, and it was associated with delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.02). We did not find any relationship in motility or dysmotility between the oesophagus and the stomach. CONCLUSION: Oesophageal dysmotility, as well as gastroparesis, are common in patients with diabetes who have gastrointestinal symptoms. It is important to investigate these patients further, to be able to reach an accurate diagnosis and instigate appropriate treatment. Our findings indicate that the oesophagus and the stomach function as separate organs and that pathology in one does not necessarily mean pathology in the other.

Oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying and autonomic neuropathy correlate to disturbed glucose homeostasis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Among diabetic patients, glucose homeostasis may be affected by abnormal gastrointestinal motility and autonomic neuropathy. This study analysed whether oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying or autonomic neuropathy affect glucose homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oesophageal manometry and gastric emptying scintigraphy were performed in 20 diabetic patients. Heart-rate variation during deep breathing (expiration/inspiration [E/I] ratio) and continuous subcutaneous glucose concentrations for a period of 72 h were also monitored in the same patients. RESULTS: Oesophageal dysmotility was found in eight of 14 patients. Eleven of 20 patients had delayed gastric emptying (abnormal gastric emptying half-time [T (50)]) and nine of 18 had an abnormal E/I ratio. Complaints of abdominal fullness were predictive of delayed gastric emptying. A low peristaltic speed of the oesophagus was associated with impaired T (50) (r ( s )=-0.67; p=0.02). One hour after breakfast, subcutaneous glucose levels decreased in patients with delayed gastric emptying but continued to rise in those with normal emptying. Consequently, the median glucose level 2.5 h after breakfast was lower in the former (9.1 [4.2-12.5] vs 14.3 [11.2-17.7] mmol/l; p<0.05). Glucose fluctuations during the 72 h were significantly higher in patients with an abnormal E/I ratio than in those with a normal E/I ratio (coefficient of variation: 41 [46-49] vs 28 [27-34]%; p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Abdominal fullness predicted delayed gastric emptying that was associated with diminished glucose uptake after breakfast. Low oesophageal peristaltic speed was associated with slow gastric emptying whereas parasympathetic neuropathy was associated with increased glucose variations.

Abdominal plain film findings in acute ischemic bowel disease differ with age.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use and findings of abdominal plain film in acute ischemic bowel disease (AIBD) in different age subsets, and to correlate the clinical findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-nine radiographically examined patients with AIBD at Malmö University Hospital, Sweden between 1987 and 1996. RESULTS: In 89%, the plain film displayed pathologic signs. Bowel dilatation was more common in the elderly. Of 68 patients aged > or = 71 years, 19 (28%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation, and of 19 patients > 84 years 16 (84%) had small-bowel dilatation. Of 20 patients aged < 71 years, 1 (5%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation, and 11 (55%) small-bowel dilatation (P < 0.05; P < 0.05). Gasless abdomen was more common in the younger age group, noted in 5 of 20 (25%) patients aged < 71 years, compared to 2 of 68 (3%) patients aged > or = 71 years (P = 0.001). Of the patients with diarrhea, 13 of 33 (40%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation compared to 2 of 29 (7%) without (P = 0.003). In the elderly (> or = 71 years), 48 of 53 (91%) patients with bowel dilatation on plain film died, compared to 11 out of 16 (69%) without this finding (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal plain film findings differed with age. Bowel dilatation was more frequent in the elderly with AIBD, whereas gasless abdomen was more common in younger patients. The radiographic findings were associated with clinical symptoms and mortality.

Do dysphagic patients with an absent pharyngeal swallow have a shorter survival than dysphagic patients with pharyngeal swallow? Prognostic importance of a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing study (TVSS).

PURPOSE: To study survival in two groups of dysphagic patients--one group unable to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow (APS) and another group with pharyngeal swallow (WPS)--and to compare recommendations regarding nutrition and therapeutic strategies based on the therapeutic swallowing study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records of dysphagic patients who have undergone a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing study (TVSS) were reviewed. Forty patients without pharyngeal swallow were matched for age and gender with 40 patients with pharyngeal swallow; altogether 80 patients were included in the study. Survival was registered at 3, 12, and 72 months after the TVSS. RESULTS: In this study, the APS group had a significantly shorter survival time (P=0.0030) compared to the WPS group when followed-up at 12 months. In the APS group, most patients (37.5% (15/40)) died within the 3 months after TVSS. At 72 months, 62.5% (25/ 40) of the patients in the APS group had died. In the WPS group, 5% (2/40) had died within 3 months and 47.4% (19/40) after 12 months. At 72 months, 52.5% (21/40) of the patients in the WPS group had died. Regarding nutritional and therapeutic recommendations based on TVSS, 34/40 in the APS group were recommended no oral intake. Eighteen naso-gastric tubes were placed directly after TVSS. The therapeutic strategies recommended were head-positioning, thermal tactile stimulation, and tongue exercises (in 8 patients). In the WPS group, all patients were recommended oral intake. Diet modification was recommended in 29 patients. The therapeutic strategies recommended were head-positioning, thermal tactile stimulation, tongue exercises, supraglottic swallow, and effortful swallow (in 24 patients). CONCLUSION: Patients unable to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow had a shorter survival time than patients with pharyngeal swallow, probably due to a more severe underlying disease. Tube feeding was more frequent in the APS group. Fewer therapeutic strategies were recommended compared to the WPS group. In the WPS group, diet modification was frequent. Several patients had different therapeutic strategies. At the end of the study, 8/40 patients (20%) in the APS group had recovered and regained the ability to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow. All eight had achieved active swallowing rehabilitation.

Achalasia: a vagal disease.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is considered to be a primary motor disorder of the oesophagus. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest extra-oesophageal involvement in this disease. Vagal disturbances at different levels and extra-oesophageal dysmotility have been reported in several studies. The aim of this study was to examine cardiovascular reflexes in patients with achalasia further to evaluate the involvement of the autonomic nervous system outside the oesophagus in this entity. METHODS: Five patients (age range 38-58 years, median 45 years) diagnosed with achalasia were assessed for the autonomic nerve function by the heart rate reaction to deep breathing (E/I ratio) and to tilt (acceleration and brake index). The blood pressure reaction to tilt was also assessed. The results were compared with a control group comprising 56 healthy individuals (age range 16-59 years, median 40 years). RESULTS: Patients with achalasia had a significantly decreased E/I ratio compared with controls (absolute values 1.13 (0.23) (median value (interquartile range)) versus 1.38 (0.14): P=0.0309, age corrected values -1.39 (1.49) versus -0.25 (1.20): P=0.0457). This reflects impairment of the vagus nerve. In contrast, sympathetic nerves were not affected, as the acceleration index and brake index and postural blood pressure reaction were not disturbed in patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with achalasia have autonomic nerve dysfunction in the vagal nerve outside the oesophagus.