MEASURING ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY WITH A NEW INTRALUMINAL IMPEDANCE DEVICE - FIRST CLINICAL-RESULTS IN REFLUX PATIENTS

Background: The study was undertaken to determine the validity of intr aluminal impedance measuring for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders in reflux patients. Methods: A new impedance device was used for the detection of esophageal motility patterns in a prospective st udy with 10 volunteers and 10 patients with reflux esophagitis grade I I-III. Perfused manometry was correlated with the impedance tracings. Test meals were saline and curd in three different preparations with l iquid to semisolid viscosity. Results: There was a marked delay in eso phageal transport with increasing viscosity of the bolus (p < 0.01). A significant (p < 0.001) delay of the bolus transport in the inflamed esophageal areas was seen in reflux patients. A reduced contractility of the lower esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter was detected by the impedance procedure in reflux patients, indicating that the pa thologic motility patterns in reflux esophagitis are most likely secon dary to the tissue inflammation. Conclusion: We conclude that impedanc e procedures may give additional significant information about bolus t ransport and esophageal wall movements.