The goal of this study was to conceptualize and compute measures of “mechanical work” done by the esophagus using data generated during functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry and compare work done during secondary peristalsis among patients and controls. Eighty-five individuals were evaluated with a 16-cm FLIP during sedated endoscopy, including asymptomatic controls ( n = 14) and those with achalasia subtypes I, II, and III ( n = 15, each); gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; n = 13); eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE; n = 9); and systemic sclerosis (SSc; n = 5). The FLIP catheter was positioned to have its distal segment straddling the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) during stepwise distension. Two metrics of work were assessed: “active work” (during bag volumes ≤ 40 mL where contractility generates substantial changes in lumen area) and “work capacity” (for bag volumes ≥ 60 mL when contractility cannot substantially alter the lumen area). Controls showed median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 7.3 (3.6–9.2) mJ of active work and 268.6 (225.2–332.3) mJ of work capacity. Patients with all achalasia subtypes, GERD, and SSc showed lower active work done than controls ( P ≤ 0.003). Patients with achalasia subtypes I and II, GERD, and SSc had lower work capacity compared with controls ( P < 0.001, 0.004, 0.04, and 0.001, respectively). Work capacity was similar between controls and patients with achalasia type III and EoE. Mechanical work of the esophagus differs between healthy controls and patient groups with achalasia, EoE, SSc, and GERD. Further studies are needed to fully explore the utility of this approach, but these work metrics would be valuable for device design (artificial esophagus), to measure the efficacy of peristalsis, to gauge the physiological state of the esophagus, and to comment on its pumping effectiveness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry assesses esophageal response to distension and provides a simultaneous assessment of pressure and dimension during contractility. This enables an objective assessment of “mechanical work” done by the esophagus. Eighty-five individuals were evaluated, and two work metrics were computed for each subject. Controls showed greater values of work compared with individuals with achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). These values can quantify the mechanical behavior of the distal esophagus and assist in the estimation of muscular integrity.
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Estimation of mechanical work done to open the esophagogastric junction using functional lumen imaging probe panometry
In this study, we quantify the work done by the esophagus to open the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and create a passage for bolus flow into the stomach. Work done on the EGJ was computed using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry. Eighty-five individuals underwent FLIP panometry with a 16-cm catheter during sedated endoscopy including asymptomatic controls ( n = 14), 45 patients with achalasia ( n = 15 each, three subtypes), those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; n = 13), those with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE; n = 8), and those with systemic sclerosis (SSc; n = 5). Luminal cross-sectional area (CSA) and pressure were measured by the FLIP catheter positioned across the EGJ. Work done on the EGJ (EGJW) was computed (millijoules, mJ) at 40-mL distension. Additionally, a separate method was developed to estimate the “work required” to fully open the EGJ (EGJROW) when it did not open during the procedure. EGJW for controls had a median [interquartile range (IQR)] value of 75 (56–141) mJ. All achalasia subtypes showed low EGJW compared with controls ( P < 0.001). Subjects with GERD and EoE had EGJW 54.1 (6.9–96.3) and 65.9 (10.8–102.3) mJ, similar to controls ( P < 0.08 and P < 0.4, respectively). The scleroderma group showed low values of EGJW, 12 mJ ( P < 0.001). For patients with achalasia, EGJROW was the greatest and had a value of 210.4 (115.2–375.4) mJ. Disease groups with minimal or absent EGJ opening showed low values of EGJW. For patients with achalasia, EGJROW significantly exceeded EGJW values of all other groups, highlighting its unique pathophysiology. Balancing the relationship between EGJW and EGJROW is potentially useful for calibrating achalasia treatments and evaluating treatment response. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes in pressure and diameter occur at the EGJ during esophageal emptying. Similar changes can be observed during FLIP panometry. Data from healthy and diseased individuals were used to estimate the mechanical work done on the EGJ during distension-induced relaxation or, in instances of failed opening, work required to open the EGJ. Quantifying these parameters is potentially valuable to calibrate treatments and gauge treatment efficacy for subjects with disorders of EGJ function, especially achalasia.
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- PAR ID:
- 10379205
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
- Volume:
- 320
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 0193-1857
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- G780 to G790
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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