Pneumatic dilation versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: variables related to a good response.

Achalasia is a motor disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The cardinal symptoms are dysphagia, food regurgitation and weight loss. The most effective treatments are pneumatic dilation (PD) of the cardia and Heller esophageal myotomy with partial fundoplication. There is still controversy regarding which treatments should be initially done. The aims of this study were to evaluate clinical response and the variables related to good results in both treatments. Ninety-two patients with achalasia diagnosed by esophageal manometry were randomized to receive either PD or laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. After the procedure, patients were followed up clinically and submitted to esophageal manometry and pH monitoring. Three months after treatment, 73% of the patients from PD group and 84% of the surgery group had good results (P = 0.19). After 2 years of follow-up, 54% of the PD group and 60% of the surgery group (P = not significant) were symptom free. Variables related to a good response to PD were a 50% drop in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) or a LESP <10 mmHg after treatment. Patients over 40 years old with LESP ≤32 mmHg before treatment and a drop in LESP >50% after treatment significantly achieved better responses after surgical treatment when compared with PD. The reflux rate was significantly higher in the PD group (27.7%) compared with the surgery group (4.7%), P = 0.003. We concluded that surgical treatment and PD for achalasia are equally effective even after 2 years of follow-up. The choice of treatment for achalasia should be based on the following parameters: treatment availability, rate of good results, complication rates, variables related to good responses and also the patient's wish.

Esophageal body motility in achalasia and Chagas' disease.

Previous studies have correlated esophageal body motility findings in idiopathic (IdAc) achalasia and achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease (ChAc) with degree of megaesophagus. The aim of this study was to compare esophageal body manometric data in patients with IdAc and achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease and correlate it with the degree of megaesophagus and symptom duration. One hundred nontreated patients with achalasia, 79% IdAc and 21% secondary to ChAc were compared with regards to age of presentation, duration of symptoms, amplitude and duration of simultaneous contractions, frequency of failed contractions, and degree of megaesophagus. Seventy-one percent of patients were classified as nonadvanced megaesophagus (60 [76%] with IdAc and 11 [52%] with ChAc) and 29% as advanced megaesophagus (19 [24%] with IdAc and 10 [48%] with ChAc, P= 0.04). In IdAc but not in ChAc, the symptom duration was significantly longer in advanced megaesophagus (A) compared with nonadvanced megaesophagus (NA) (34.8 ± 6.3 months vs. 95.4 ± 22.2 months, P= 0.001). There was no difference in amplitude and duration of simultaneous contractions in both achalasia groups (P > 0.05). Duration of contractions were longer in IdAc compared with ChAc in (NA) (P < 0.05), but not in (A). In IdAc but not in ChAc the amplitude of simultaneous contractions decreased with increased esophageal dilatation (P < 0.05). In ChAc but not in IdAC, the duration of contractions increased with esophageal dilatation (P < 0.05). Failed contractions were more frequent in ChAc group (28.6%) than in IdAc (10% -P= 0.03). Patients with ChAc have a higher prevalence of advanced megaesophagus compared with IdAc at diagnosis. In IdAc there was a strong correlation between advanced megaesophagus and longer symptom duration, suggesting disease progression over time, not observed in ChAc in which a more extensive denervation occurs earlier in the disease process.

[Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease - report of 4 cases and review of the literature]. / Doença de Crohn gastroduodenal - relato de quatro casos e revisão da literatura.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease can affect all the gastrointestinal tract, but gastroduodenal involvement is rarely seen (0.5 to 13%). OBJECTIVES: Report clinical, radiological and endoscopic findings and treatment of four patients with gastroduodenal Crohn's disease and review the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients (one male of 24 years old three females of 37, 66 and 74 years old) with epigastric pain, weight loss and low grade fever were referred to the University Hospitals of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Fluminese Federal University. Two had also mild intermittent diarrhea and arthritis/arthralgia and the third developed pyloric obstruction and received surgical treatment. Anemia was observed in only one (the young female). Barium x-ray studies showed aphthous ulcers in stomach and duodenum with distal ileum lesions and deformity in both. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed aphthous ulcers in stomach and geographic duodenal ulcers. Polypoid lesions and serpiginous ulcers within gastric antrum were observed in the young female. Colonoscopy was performed in two patients and disclosed an ulcerated ileitis in one and ulcerated pancolitis in other. Histopathology findings of biopsy specimens were inconclusive (granulomas were not found) and other causes of granulomatous disease were ruled out. Corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors were started and two patients had their disease controlled. The other patient developed pyloric obstruction and had to be operated. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease has distinct clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features. Advances in endoscopic methods and recognition of new histopathologic criteria for diagnosis have revealed an incidence higher than previously reported.