ABSTRACT
Introduction: achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, characterized by irregular peristalsis and inadequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, typically manifests with dysphagia as its primary symptom. The advent of high-resolution manometry (HRM) has transformed our comprehension of achalasia. It has delineated three distinct subtypes based on variations in pressurization and contractions, contributing significantly to the understanding of this condition. This study aimed to describe and compare clinically and manometrically the patients suffering from the different subtypes of achalasia. Methods: it is a retrospective single-center study including all patients with achalasia diagnosed by high-resolution manometry (HRM) between April 2018 and January 2023. The diagnosis was retained based on the latest Chicago 3.0 classification. Results: out of 103 patients, 25.2% (n=26) had type I achalasia, 66.9% (n=69) type II, and 7.8% (n=8) type III. Patients with type I and II achalasia were younger than patients with type III achalasia (mean age 43.2 years vs. 55.6 years, P=0.0053). A female predominance was found in type I achalasia and a male predominance in type III. The most frequent symptoms were: dysphagia (found in all our patients). At HRM, all our patients had a pathological IRP with a mean of 26.95 mmHg for the 3 types of achalasia. Resting IBS pressures were higher in patients with type III achalasia compared to types I and II (35.28 mmHg vs 32.7 mmHg and 31.04 mmHg, P=0.40). Conclusion: achalasia is one of the most studied esophageal motility disorders. Tools such as HRM have permitted us not only to identify achalasia early but also to define different subtypes, which can have therapeutic implications.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Esophageal Motility DisordersABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy is the standard method for the diagnosis of recurrent oesophago-gastric varices after endoscopic treatment and eradication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PillCam Eso capsule endoscopy in this setting. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre study in which patients with history of oesophageal varices treated by band ligation underwent PillCam Eso capsule and oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy. Capsule recordings were blindly read by two endoscopists. Indication for a new prophylactic treatment and patient satisfaction were determined for both procedures. RESULTS: 80 patients (80% males, mean age: 57±12 years) were included, after a median delay of 16 months from last endoscopic treatment. Recurrent oesophageal varices requiring a new prophylactic treatment were detected in 26 patients (32.5%). The mean oesophageal transit time of the capsule was 153 s (range 2-930 s). Capsule sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values for indication of new prophylactic treatments were 65%, 83%, 83%, and 65%, respectively. Capsule adequately classified 77.5% of the patients for prophylaxis indication. Inter-observer concordance for capsule readings was 88% for the prophylaxis indication. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that accuracy of PillCam Eso capsule for the diagnosis of recurrent oesophageal varices after endoscopic eradication is suboptimal. PillCam Eso capsule might therefore be proposed in patients unable or unwilling to undergo oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy.
Subject(s)
Capsule Endoscopy , Esophageal and Gastric Varices/diagnosis , Aged , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/methods , Esophageal and Gastric Varices/surgery , False Negative Reactions , False Positive Reactions , Female , Humans , Ligation , Male , Middle Aged , Observer Variation , Patient Preference , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Recurrence , Single-Blind MethodABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intestinal tumors represent less than 6% of digestive tumors and, because of the limitations of intestinal investigations, these tumors are difficult to diagnose. In this context, capsule endoscopy (CE) has proven effective especially in patients with obscure digestive bleeding. The aim of the present study was to calculate the frequency, and evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of CE in cases of small bowel tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 95 patients (57 males and 38 females, mean age of 56 years) with negative endoscopy and colonoscopy results were directed to undergo CE examination. RESULTS: Of the 95 patients, 13 (13.7%) were diagnosed with small bowel tumors. The main indications for CE were obscure (occult and overt) gastrointestinal bleeding. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 10 months. The final histological diagnosis was established through surgery. In our patients, this included gastrointestinal stromal tumor (nine cases), adenocarcinoma (two cases) and carcinoid tumor (two cases). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal tumors appears to be higher than expected in patients through the use of CE.
