Physiological augmentation of esophageal distension pressure and peristalsis during conditions of increased esophageal emptying resistance.

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving'. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. This author accepted manuscript is made available following 12 month embargo from date of publication (Nov 2017) in accordance with the publisher’s archiving policyBackground Abdominal compression has been implemented as a provocative maneuver in high‐resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) to “challenge” normal esophageal physiology with the aim of revealing abnormal motor patterns which may explain symptoms. In this study, we measured the effects of abdominal compression on esophageal functioning utilizing novel pressure‐impedance parameters and attempted to identify differences between healthy controls and globus patients. Methods Twenty‐two healthy volunteers (aged 23‐32 years, 41% female) and 22 globus patients (aged 23‐72 years, 68% female) were evaluated with HRIM using a 3.2‐mm water perfused manometric and impedance catheter. All participants received 10 × 5 mL liquid swallows; healthy controls also received 10 × 5 mL liquid swallows with abdominal compression created using an inflatable cuff. All swallows were analyzed to assess esophageal pressure topography (EPT) and pressure‐flow metrics, indicative of distension pressure, flow timing and bolus clearance were derived. Key Results The effect of abdominal compression was shown as a greater contractile vigor of the distal esophagus by EPT and higher distension pressure based on pressure‐flow metrics. Age and body mass index also increased contractile vigor and distension pressure. Globus patients were similar to controls. Conclusions and Interferences Intrabolus pressure and contractile vigor are indicative of the physiological modulation of bolus transport mechanisms. Provocative testing by abdominal compression induces changes in these esophageal bolus dynamics