Are the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations in achalasia always incomplete? A manometric and scintigraphic study
Federici, T.; Annese, V.; Caruso, N.; Accadia, L.; Gabbrielli, A.; Modoni, S.; Frusciante, V.
Italian Journal of Gastroenterology 22(6): 342-345
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0623 PMID: 2131952 Document Number: 353364
In two patients with achalasia we found intermittent, complete lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations at manometric evaluation. These patients had no weight loss, minimal oesophageal dilatation, lower LES pressure and faster radionuclide oesophageal emptying when compared with other achalasia patients. Concurrent performing of radionuclide oesophageal emptying and manometry showed that the complete relaxations (CRs) were too short and functionally unsuccessful. Our findings suggest that these patients may be at an earlier disease stage and that intermittent CRs of LES may occasionally occur in achalasia.