Pharyngeal solid-state manometry catheter movement during swallowing in dysphagic and nondysphagic participants

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The movements of the soft palate and the larynx are crucial in pharyngeal manometry because of the potential risk of manometry sensor dislocation. METHODS: Twenty dysphagic patients and 20 nondysphagic volunteers were examined with simultaneous videoradiography and intraluminal pharyngeal solid-state manometry. The movements of the manometric sensors were analyzed from lateral videorecording. RESULTS: Two different types of catheter movement were found. The sensor in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) could either be lifted cranially during the closure of the soft palate (type 1) or stay unaltered in the sphincter until the beginning of the laryngeal elevation and then follow the sphincter cranially during laryngeal elevation with no previous response to soft palate closure (type 2). Type 1 movement was found in eight of 20 patients but in only one of the 20 volunteers. The resting pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was significantly higher in type 2 (P = 0.004). Nineteen of the 20 patients with a high resting pressure of the UES (83+ mm Hg) were found to have the type 2 movement. CONCLUSION: High resting pressure in the UES permitted the sphincter to grasp the manometry catheter and caused the sensor to follow the cranial movement during laryngeal elevation. Sensor movement is important during pharyngeal manometry, and sensor dislocation out of the sphincter can be misinterpreted as sphincter relaxation. Simultaneous videoradiography provides control of sensor positioning and allows for correction.     

Vitamin E dose-response studies in humans with use of deuterated RRR-alpha-tocopherol

A prospective double-blind randomized trial was initiated to examine two types of laparoscopic fundoplication (Nissen and anterior). Thirty-two patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux disease presenting for primary laparoscopic antireflux surgery were randomized to undergo either Nissen fundoplication (N = 13) or anterior hemifundoplication (N = 19). Postoperative fluoroscopic and manometric examination was carried out concomitantly. Nissen fundoplication resulted in significantly greater elevation of resting (33.5 vs 23 mm Hg) and residual lower esophageal sphincter pressures (17 vs 6.5 mm Hg) and lower esophageal ramp pressure (26 vs 20.5 mm Hg) than the anterior partial fundoplication. A smaller radiologically measured sphincter opening diameter was seen following Nissen fundoplication (9 mm) compared with anterior fundoplication (12 mm). Lower esophageal ramp pressure correlated weakly (r = 0.37, P = 0.04) with postoperative dysphagia. It is concluded that the type of fundoplication performed significantly influences postoperative manometric and video barium radiology outcomes. The clinical relevance of this requires further investigation.     

Transurethral balloon dilation of the external urinary sphincter: effectiveness in spinal cord-injured men with detrusor-external urethral sphincter dyssynergia

The authors investigated balloon dilation as a minimally invasive alternative to transurethral external sphincterotomy for the treatment of detrusor-external urethral sphincter dyssynergia (DESD). Seventeen spinal cord-injured men with voiding pressures greater than 60 cm H2O underwent balloon dilation of the external sphincter to 90 F at 4 atm of pressure for 10 minutes. The mean voiding pressures before and 12 months after dilation were 83 cm H2O +/- 35 and 37 cm H2O +/- 15, respectively (P = .008). There was a significant decrease in residual urine volume, from 163 mL +/- 162 to 68 mL +/- 59 (P = .05), whereas bladder capacity remained relatively unchanged at 253 mL +/- 181 and 230 mL +/- 97 (P = .30). Complications included one case of postoperative bleeding necessitating transfusion, two treatment failures, and one bulbous urethral stricture. Fourteen of the 17 patients (82%) now void without the aid of an indwelling catheter or alternative therapy. Balloon dilation has no detrimental effect on erectile function and may improve fertility.     

Gallbladder ejection fraction. Nondiagnostic for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients with intact gallbladders

Thirty consecutive patients with intact gallbladders and biliary pain were evaluated to determine whether gallbladder ejection fraction could identify sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The mean gallbladder ejection fraction was 45% in patients with abdominal pain and 72% in normal controls. Gallbladder ejection fractions were then correlated with endoscopically measured sphincter of Oddi pressures in patients with abdominal pain. The mean gallbladder ejection fraction was 41% in 7 patients with elevated sphincter pressures and 46% in 23 patients with normal pressures (P = NS). Thirty-six percent of patients with elevated pressures and 33% of patients with normal pressures had abnormal gallbladder ejection fractions. Gallbladder ejection fraction had a sensitivity of 33%, a specificity of 63%, and a positive predictive value of 25% for detection of elevated pressures. Regression analysis revealed a poor correlation between sphincter pressure and gallbladder ejection fraction (r2 = 0.02). These findings suggest that gallbladder ejection fraction cannot be used to diagnose sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients before they undergo cholecystectomy.     

Anorectal manometry in the assessment of anorectal function in Parkinson's disease: a comparison with chronic idiopathic constipation

We investigated the role of anorectal manometry in evaluating constipation and anorectal function in 15 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and compared results with those of 9 patients with idiopathic constipation (IC) and 8 control (C) subjects. Anal sphincter pressures on voluntary squeeze were lower in the PD patients. Sustained squeeze pressures (mm Hg C versus IC versus PD: 46.8 +/- 5.2 versus 31.2 +/- 3.6 versus 26.6 +/- 3.9; p < 0.05 PD versus C), squeeze duration (seconds: 53.6 +/- 2.5 versus 48.5 +/- 4.1 versus 33.6 +/- 9; p < 0.05 PD versus C) and squeeze index (area under the squeeze curve: 44.0 +/- 2.9 versus 34.5 +/- 3.3 versus 21.4 +/- 2.9; p < 0.001 PD versus C) were significantly lower in the PD group in comparison to the control group. In contrast, none of the parameters of anorectal manometry differed between controls and patients with idiopathic constipation. Some Parkinson's disease patients demonstrated an abnormal, hypercontractile response on testing of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Anal sphincter length, basal sphincter pressures, maximal squeeze pressures, extent of relaxation on rectoanal inhibitory reflex and threshold volume for rectal sensation were similar in the three groups. We conclude that an impaired squeeze response is a specific feature of anorectal function in Parkinson's disease. This may indicate direct involvement of the pelvic floor musculature by the parkinsonian disease process.     

Lower esophageal sphincter function in children with and without gastroesophageal reflux

Resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was assessed in infants and children 2 weeks to 12 years of age. There were 62 control subjects and 35 patients with reproducible gastroesophageal reflux (GER) determined radiologically. In control subjects without GER: (1) LES pressure was well developed by 2 weeks of age; (2) in children less than 1 year of age, mean LES pressure (43.3 +/- 2.4 mm Hg) was significantly greater than mean LES pressure (30.6 +/- 2.3 mm Hg) children older than 1 year of age; (3) LES sphincter length increased with age; and (4) bethanechol 0.1 mg per kg subcutaneously caused a rise in LES pressure that increased in magnitude as LES resting pressures increased. In patients with GER: (1) only 16 or 35 children had LES pressures below the normal range for their appropriate age group; (2) LES length was shorter than control values in children beyond 6 months of age; (3) GER usually occurred in the absence of hiatus hernia; (4) clinical improvement was common and in patients with low LES pressure was associated with a rise in LES pressures to normal, even in the presenece of hiatus hernia; and (5) bethanechol caused a change and an absolute rise in LES pressure that were not significantly different from those observed in controls. These results indicate that in infants and children low LES pressure is not the sole determinant of GER, and that pharmacological stimulation of the Les could prove to be a useful adjunct to the medical management of GER.     

The FGF receptor-1 tyrosine kinase domain regulates myogenesis but is not sufficient to stimulate proliferation

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were: to evaluate the performance of a novel arterial biopsy catheter in obtaining pulmonary endovascular samples in hypertensive dogs; to compare the results of pulmonary endoarterial biopsy in hypertensive vs normotensive dogs; and to assess the histologic changes in the hypertensive model. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-four dogs (27 with normal pulmonary arterial pressures and seven with pulmonary hypertension) were catheterized through an external jugular vein to obtain endovascular biopsy samples from distal pulmonary arteries 2 to 3 mm in luminal diameter. To induce pulmonary hypertension, seven dogs were given repeated infusions of 0.6- to 0.9-mm ceramic microspheres into the superior vena cava. Endoarterial samples were obtained at pulmonary systolic arterial pressures ranging from 10 to 110 mm Hg. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Sixty-two biopsy catheterization procedures were performed in the 34 dogs. After 12 initial procedures of technique refinement, endoarterial samples were obtained in each of the last 50 procedures (21 in normotensive dogs and 29 in hypertensive dogs). The average number of endovascular biopsy samples retrieved was 7.1 (range, 2 to 12) from a mean of 8.6 (range, 2 to 15) biopsy attempts per catheterization (success rate=83%). The average biopsy piece measured 1.13 mm in length, 0.33 mm in depth, and up to 1.0 mm in width. The biopsy success rates and endoarterial sample sizes were similar in normotensive and hypertensive dogs. Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were grown from the biopsy samples. There were no significant procedural complications, except for one self-limited hemorrhage. Histologically, samples obtained from dogs with pulmonary hypertension showed characteristic changes when compared with biopsies from normotensive dogs. CONCLUSION: This new endoarterial biopsy catheter was safe and effective when used to obtain pulmonary endoarterial samples in dogs with normal and experimentally elevated pulmonary arterial pressures. The quality and quantity of the biopsy samples allowed identification of pathologic changes.     

Esophageal function in systemic sclerosis: a prospective evaluation of motility and acid reflux in 36 patients

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder which frequently involves the esophagus, with severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and dysphagia as clinical consequences of esophageal dysmotility. The relationship between the severity and extent of esophageal acid exposure and the specific manometric disturbances has received little attention. Similarly, a paucity of manometric data exists regarding pharyngeal/upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function in SSc patients. We prospectively studied 36 SSc patients using computerized solid-state manometric and ambulatory dual-pH (upper and lower esophageal) monitoring, to define further the relationship between esophageal dysmotility and severity of GER in these patients. Patients were separated for analysis into two subgroups based on the absence (group 1, N = 25) or presence (group 2, N = 11) of distal esophageal peristalsis. SSc disease variant (diffuse vs. limited) and duration of illness were inaccurate predictors of the presence and severity of esophageal involvement. The mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure for the SSc patients (15.8 +/- 1.2 mm Hg, mean +/- SE) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than that for a control group (26.0 +/- 2.1 mm Hg). There was no significant difference between the mean LES pressure for group 1 (15.0 +/- 1.6 mm Hg) and group 2 (17.5 +/- 1.6 mm Hg) patients. Although distal esophageal aperistalsis was noted in 70% of patients, normal proximal esophageal contraction pressures were documented in all cases. Mean UES pressure was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in group 1 (52.5 +/- 4.6 mm Hg) than in group 2 (80.5 +/- 10.6 mm Hg). The mean duration of UES relaxation and the mean time interval between the onset of UES relaxation and onset of pharyngeal contraction were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter for group 1 than group 2 patients. Pharyngeal pressures, peristalsis, and other aspects of pharyngeal/UES coordination were normal. Excessive distal esophageal acid exposure was often seen in patients in both subgroups, but it was significantly (p < 0.01) greater in group 1. Excessive proximal esophageal acid exposure was documented only in patients with absent distal peristalsis. Linear regression analysis revealed a poor correlation between the severity of esophageal acid exposure and the LES pressure. Thus, the severity and extent of GER in SSc is most closely related to the integrity of distal esophageal peristalsis.     

Normal values for 24-hour manometry of the esophagus

OBJECTIVE: To obtain normal values of 24-hour manometry of the oesophagus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Oesophageal pressures were measured in 41 healthy volunteers who had given informed consent. Recordings were made for 24 hours via a two-channel catheter in 27 and via a 4-channel one in 14 subjects. The catheter orifices were 5 and 15 cm respectively 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter. RESULTS: Median of contractions was 1523 at 5 cm and 1500 at 15 cm (1635 at 10 cm and 2135 at 20 cm) contraction amplitudes were 31 mm Hg at 5 cm, 26 mm Hg at 15 cm; 26 mm Hg at 10 cm and 37 mm Hg at 20 cm. On average 44% of the contractions were propulsive, 17% simultaneous and 30% nonpropulsive, the remainder not clearly defined. Neither age nor sex had a significant influence on the results. Motor activity was reduced during sleep. During eating the number of contractions, their amplitude and propulsive force increased. CONCLUSION: The listed measurements, by defining normal values, make it possible to diagnose hypo- and hypermotility of the oesophagus during long-time manometry. Two-point measurement is sufficient for assessing the smooth-muscle component.     

Endoscopic manometry of Oddi's sphincter

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic manometry is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. AIM: To report the results of the first 30 endoscopic manometries of sphincter of Oddi performed in a Gastroenterology Service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty manometries were performed in 28 patients aged 30 to 70 years old (14 females). The papilla was cannulated with a perfused catheter, measuring pressure with external transducers. RESULTS: Deep cannulation of the papilla was achieved in 88%. Procedure-related complications were not observed in these cases. Normal values were registered in 11 cases with a basal sphincter pressure 15.6 +/- 10.7 mm Hg, contractions with an amplitude of 92.3 +/- 35.7 mm Hg and 6.0 +/- 2.4/min frequency. The clinical suspicion of hypertonic dyskinesis was confirmed in 5 cases with an elevated basal pressure of 43.69 +/- 13.3 mm Hg, an increased frequency of contractions ("tachyoddia") in one, and large spastic contractions of high pressure in other case. In 3 of 5 cases with common bile duct stones, a predominance of retrograde propagation of the contractions was observed with normal pressure. Variable manometric results were observed after endoscopic papillotomy observing a scale from the complete absence of motor activity to normal sphincter function. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic manometry is a reasonably safe method, of great importance in the diagnosis of functional disorders of the sphincter of Oddi.     

Clinical experience with 118 brain tissue oxygen partial pressure catheter probes

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the technical and diagnostic reliability of partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) of brain tissue (P(ti)O2) monitoring. The monitoring system and the catheter probes were tested in vitro, and clinical experiences obtained with 118 brain P(ti)O2 catheter probes, used in 101 patients, are reported. METHODS: The polarographic (LICOX; Medical Systems Corp., Greenvale, NY) P(ti)O2 catheter probe lies 22 to 27 mm below the dura level; its PO2-sensitive surface is 7.1 mm2. For 10 patients, the adaptation time (with initially unreliable signals after insertion) was determined. For 27 patients, the probe was removed in a stepwise fashion (three increments of 5 mm) and the heterogeneity of brain P(ti)O2 levels was investigated. After removal of the catheter probes, their PO2 and zero display error values were determined and compared with probe performance data obtained in vitro with unused PO2 catheter probes. RESULTS: Small iatrogenic hematomas were observed for two patients (1.7%). No infection occurred after 6.7 +/- 3.9 days (mean +/- standard deviation) of monitoring. The technical complication (dislocation or defect) rate was 13.6%. The mean adaptation time was 79.0 +/- 51.7 min. A flow chart is presented, which helps to rule out artifacts. The mean P(ti)O2 measured at 22 to 27 mm below the dura was 23.8 +/- 8.1 mm Hg, at 17 to 22 mm was 25.7 +/- 8.3 mm Hg, at 12 to 17 mm was 33.0 +/- 13.3 mm Hg (P < 0.01, compared with the initial value), and at 7 to 12 mm was 33.3 +/- 13.3 mm Hg (P < 0.01). Recent catheter probe versions exhibited a PO2 display error of -1.2 +/- 5.1% (mean +/- standard deviation, n = 38) and a mean zero display error of 1.1 +/- 0.9 mm Hg (n = 34). The greatest PO2 display errors were measured during the first 4 days of continuous monitoring. In the in vitro test (of 12 unused catheter probes), the maximal probe display error was 1.07 +/- 2.14%, tested at temperatures between 22 degrees C and 37 degrees C and tested at oxygen pressures of 0, 44, and 150 mm Hg. In vitro, the zero display error was -0.21 +/- 0.25 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: Brain P(ti)O2 monitoring, reflecting an area 17 to 27 mm below the dura, is a safe and reliable technique for monitoring cerebral oxygenation. Excluding the first 1 hour after insertion, data are reliable, with almost 100% good data quality.     

Paraneoplastic optic neuropathy and autoantibody production in small-cell carcinoma of the lung

There are no published data of manometric studies of pyloric motor function in patients with infantile hypertropic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The present study attempted to examine the characteristics of motor abnormality of the pylorus in five children with IHPS. Using a transducer-built-in manometric catheter cannulated through the pylorus under fluoroscopy, the pressure in the pyloric canal was recorded continuously over 3 h during fasting. Clusters of high-amplitude spastic contractions of over 300 mmHg were recorded at intervals. The frequency was 1-3/min (mean 1.7 cpm) and the duration was 7-15 s. These periodic spastic contractions were suppressed temporarily for 20-30 min after intravenous injection of 0.01 mg/kg atropine. After pyloromyotomy, these spastic contractions decreased remarkably in amplitude, but there were no changes in frequency. It is concluded that the underlying motor abnormality observed in hypertrophied pyloric muscle is clusters of high-amplitude contractions, although more precise measurements of basal pyloric pressure are needed to explore the pathophysiology of IHPS in detail. The effect of pyloromyotomy may be related to the decrease in high-amplitude contractions.     

Diagnosing anal sphincter injury with transanal ultrasound and manometry

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate how well anorectal manometry and transanal ultrasonography diagnose anal sphincter injury. METHODS: Anorectal manometry and transanal ultrasonography were performed in 20 asymptomatic nulliparous women and 20 asymptomatic parous women, and the results were compared with those obtained in 31 incontinent women who subsequently underwent sphincteroplasty and, thus, had operatively verified anal sphincter injury. By using computerized manometry analysis, mean maximum resting and squeeze pressures, sphincter length, and vector symmetry were determined in all women. All transanal ultrasounds were interpreted blinded as to the patient's history, physical examination, and manometry results. RESULTS: Manometric resting and squeeze pressures were significantly higher in the asymptomatic nulliparous women than in the asymptomatic parous women, and both groups had significantly higher pressures than the incontinent women (P < 0.001). Anal sphincter length and vector symmetry index were significantly decreased in incontinent women compared with asymptomatic women (P < 0.01). Decreased resting and squeeze pressures suggestive of possible sphincter injury were found in 90 percent of incontinent women with known anal sphincter injury. Decreased anal sphincter length and vector symmetry were found in only 42 percent of women with known anal sphincter injury. Transanal ultrasound was able to identify 100 percent of the known sphincter injuries but also falsely diagnosed injury in 10 percent of the asymptomatic nulliparous women with intact anal sphincters. False identification of sphincter injury increased when transanal ultrasound scanning was performed proximal to the distal 1.5 cm of the anal canal. CONCLUSION: Although nonspecific, decreased resting and squeeze pressures were found in 90 percent of patients with anal sphincter injury. Decreased anal sphincter length or vector symmetry index were present in only 42 percent of patients with known sphincter injury. When limited to the distal 1.5 cm of the anal canal, transanal ultrasound identified all known sphincter injuries but falsely identified injury in 10 percent of women with intact anal sphincters. Transanal ultrasound in combination with decreased anal pressures correctly identified all intact sphincters and 90 percent of known anal sphincter injuries.     

Multicenter trial in North America of UroLume urinary sphincter prosthesis

We investigated the effectiveness and associated complications of treatment with an endoluminal urethral sphincter prosthesis in 153 spinal cord injury men (mean age 36 years, range 16 to 74 years) with urodynamically diagnosed detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia. These patients were prospectively treated with a urethral sphincter stent at 15 centers in North America. Followup ranged from 2 to 33 months. Voiding pressures averaged 76 +/- 28, 42 +/- 21, 44 +/- 38, 35 +/- 18 and 32 +/- 20 cm. water, respectively, before prosthesis insertion in 153 patients and at 3 months in 123, 6 months in 114, 12 months in 98 and 24 months in 22. A significant decrease in voiding pressure was noted in the 22 patients at 24 months compared with matched preoperative data (80 +/- 25 cm. water, p = 0.03). The residual urine decreased from 181 +/- 154 ml. before insertion to 82 +/- 93 ml. at 24 months (p = 0.01). Maximum cystometric capacity remained constant, with a mean of 195 +/- 158 ml. before insertion to 248 +/- 122 ml. at 24 months (p = 0.17). No significant differences were apparent after 24 months of followup in any of the urodynamic parameters between 44 patients with and 109 without previous external sphincterotomy. Hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion, obstructive hyperplastic epithelial overgrowth and soft tissue erosion did not occur. No deleterious effects were observed on renal or erectile function. Of the patients 43 (28.1%) required 2 prostheses to bridge the external sphincter completely. Stent removal was required in 10 patients. Seven explantations were required for prosthesis migration, 1 for pain and urethral edema, 1 for inability to maintain a condom catheter, and 1 for nonepithelialization and secondary bladder neck obstruction. A total of 13 patients (8.5%) required a subsequent operation for bladder neck obstruction. Therefore, the sphincter prosthesis is an attractive modality for the treatment of external sphincter dyssynergia in patients with and without previous external sphincterotomy because of its ease of deployment and minimal associated morbidity.     

Dynamic anal manometry in the assessment of patients with obstructed defecation

Patients with obstructed defecation show no consistent abnormalities when assessed by standard anorectal physiologic methods. With a recently developed technique for dynamic anal manometry, we studied 13 female patients with obstructed defecation and 20 healthy volunteers. Seven parameters of anal function were measured. There were no differences between the median values for the two groups. Seven patients (54 percent; 95 percent confidence limits, 25-81 percent) had anal compliance below the normal range, either during opening or closing of the sphincter at rest (five patients), during squeeze (one patient), or both (one patient). Opening and closing pressures of the sphincter at rest, maximal closing pressure during squeeze, and anal hysteresis were normal. Standard anal manometry did not show any differences between patients and controls. Rectal compliance was lower in patients with obstructed defecation, median difference 5 ml/cm H2O (95 percent confidence limits, 1-9 ml/cm H2O). In conclusion, the more detailed method of dynamic anal manometry shows that some patients with obstructed defecation have a less compliant anal sphincter and a less compliant rectum, but in many patients no abnormal findings can be made.     

Curative laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancer: five years experience

Sixty-one patients who were diagnosed with mucosal gastric cancer have been successfully treated with two laparoscopic techniques at our institute from March 1992 to March 1997. One is laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach using a lesion-lifting method for lesions of the anterior wall, the lesser curvature, and the greater curvature of the stomach. The other is laparoscopic intragastric mucosal resection for lesions of the posterior wall of the stomach and near the cardia or the pylorus. Indications are as follows: (1) preoperatively diagnosed mucosal cancer; (2) <25 mm diameter elevated lesions; and (3) <15 mm diameter depressed lesions without ulcer formation. Patients were discharged in 4 to 8 days uneventfully. There was no major complication or mortality. The resected specimens had sufficient surgical margins horizontally (16 +/- 5 and 8 +/- 4 mm, respectively) and vertically. In one patient histologic examination revealed slight tumor infiltration into the submucosal layer with lymphatic invasion. He underwent gastrectomy with lymph node dissection 1 month after surgery. Otherwise, histologic examination revealed curative surgery. All patients in the series have survived during the 4- to 65-month follow-up period. There have been two recurrences in the series, both of which were found near the staple line 2 years after the initial surgery and were still mucosal lesions. They were successfully treated by open gastrectomy and laser irradiation. A separate early gastric cancer was found 2 years after the initial surgery in one patient, who then underwent curative open gastrectomy. In conclusion, if the patients are selected properly, these laparoscopic procedures are curative, minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer.     

Esophageal manometry: a comparison of findings in younger and older patients

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the utility of esophageal manometry in an older patient population. METHODS: Consecutively performed manometry studies (470) were reviewed and two groups were chosen for the study, those > or = 75 yr of age (66 patients) and those < or = 50 years (122 patients). Symptoms, manometric findings (lower esophageal sphincter [LES], esophageal body, upper esophageal sphincter [UES]) and diagnoses were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Dysphagia was more common (60.6% vs 25.4%), and chest pain was less common (17.9 vs 26.2%) in older patients. In the entire group, there were no differences in LES parameters. Older patients with achalasia had lower LES residual pressures after deglutition (2.7 vs 12.0 mm Hg), but had similar resting pressures (31.4 vs 35.2 mm Hg) compared with younger achalasia patients. Duration and amplitude of peristalsis were similar in both groups, whereas peristaltic sequences were more likely to be simultaneous in the older group (15% vs 4%). The UES had a lower resting pressure in the older patients (49.6 vs 77.6 mm Hg) and a higher residual pressure (2.0 vs -2.7 mm Hg). The older patients were less likely to have normal motility (30.3% vs 44.3%) and were more likely to have achalasia (15.2% vs 4.1%) or diffuse esophageal spasm (16.6% vs 5.0%). When only patients with dysphagia were analyzed, achalasia was still more likely in the older group (20.0% vs 12.9%). CONCLUSION: When older patients present with dysphagia, esophageal manometry frequently yields a diagnosis to help explain their symptoms.     

Mitochondrial gene mutations and human diseases: a prolegomenon

OBJECTIVE: To compare "central venous pressure" in pediatric patients in a clinical setting as measured from catheters in the infrahepatic inferior vena cava and the right atrium. DESIGN: Prospective, unblinded study. SETTING: Cardiothoracic intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-three pediatric cardiac surgical patients, 2 days to 92 months of age (mean 24 +/- 4 months). INTERVENTIONS: All patients had intraoperative placement of an 8-cm, double-lumen, femoral venous catheter and a transthoracic right atrial catheter. Patients were studied for 0 to 2 days after surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Measurements were obtained during mechanical and spontaneous ventilation. Although not statistically identical, measurements of "central" venous pressure in the inferior vena cava and right atrium correlated well (r2 = .87 for mechanical ventilation; r2 = .83 for spontaneous ventilation). Of 31 data pairs in mechanically ventilated patients, the absolute difference in pressures was as large as 3 mm Hg in three patients and <3 mm Hg in all the rest. In 15 spontaneously breathing patients, there were only three data measurements where the difference in pressure was 2 mm Hg and none of the differences was greater. In spontaneously breathing patients, the phasic changes due to respiratory variations in venous pressure were in phase in both the intrathoracic and intra-abdominal catheter positions. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that while "central" venous pressures measured in the inferior vena cava and in the right atrium are not statistically identical, any differences are well within clinically important limits. Placement of central venous pressure catheters in the inferior vena cava by the femoral venous approach is a reliable alternative to cannulating the superior vena cava in pediatric patients without clinically important intra-abdominal pathology and with anatomic continuity of the inferior vena cava with the right atrium. Relatively short femoral vein catheters allow adequate measurement of central venous pressure without concern for exact catheter tip position and without the risk of right atrial perforation, intracardiac arrhythmias, and inadvertent puncture of carotid and intrathoracic structures. Unlike previously reported results in neonates, we found that the phasic changes of venous pressure with the respiratory cycle were similar in both intrathoracic and intra-abdominal recordings, making this an inappropriate clinical indicator of venous catheter tip position.     

Home care triage nurse

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of mechanical factors to the function of different types of fundoplication. DESIGN AND SETTING: An experimental bench-top study using abattoir-sourced pig esophagus and stomach placed on a tray. Preliminary esophageal myotomy ensured free reflux of 'intragastric fluid'. INTERVENTIONS: Anterior, posterior, and total fundoplications were performed on each of ten sets of viscera. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was measured using a conventional esophageal manometry catheter. Intragastric pressure was measured with a single channel intragastric manometry catheter, whilst the stomach was inflated with coloured water. The maximum intragastric pressure or the pressure measured when the fundoplication yielded to gastric distension was recorded. RESULTS: All three types of fundoplication restored adequate competence to the gastroesophageal junction, although high-volume gastric infusions resulted in fundoplication yield in 4/10 anterior and 4/10 posterior fundoplications. Gastric distension resulted in fundal dilatation and consequent compression of the adjacent esophagus. Fundoplication generated a median rise of 11-13.5 mmHg in lower esophageal sphincter pressure, comparable to pressures reported in the postoperative clinical setting. Significantly greater intragastric volumes and pressures were tolerated following total fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that mechanical factors could be major contributors to the ability of a fundoplication to restore gastroesophageal competence. Anterior, posterior and total fundoplications are all effective procedures.     

Modified technique for balloon valvuloplasty of critical pulmonary stenosis in the newborn

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience in eight consecutive neonates who underwent attempted balloon dilation as an initial therapy for critical valvular pulmonary stenosis, and we review in detail technical modifications that improved the success rate. BACKGROUND: Balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve has become the treatment of choice for valvular pulmonary stenosis in children and adults. There are few reports of its effectiveness in critical pulmonary stenosis in the newborn. In this setting, application of the technique of balloon dilation has been limited by the ability to advance the necessary guide wires and catheters across the stenotic, often near-atretic, pulmonary valve. METHODS: The pulmonary valve was crossed in all patients. When this could not be accomplished with an end-hole catheter, a soft guide wire was advanced directly across the pulmonary valve through the end-hole catheter positioned in the right ventricular outflow tract below the valve. Initial predilation was achieved in all patients by using a coronary dilation catheter in an effort to facilitate introduction of the definitive balloon dilation catheter. Definitive dilation with a balloon diameter of > or = 110% of the diameter of the pulmonary valve annulus was possible in six patients. RESULTS: Right ventricular pressure declined from a mean value of 108 +/- 32 mm Hg to a mean value of 49 +/- 11 mm Hg after balloon dilation, with no change in heart rate or aortic pressure in these six patients after definitive balloon dilation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this small series suggest that critical valvular pulmonary stenosis in the newborn can be successfully treated by transluminal balloon valvuloplasty.