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. 2012 Oct 9;18(4):365–372. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.365

High-resolution Manometry: Esophageal Disorders Not Addressed by the "Chicago Classification"

Yu Tien Wang 1,✉, Etsuro Yazaki 1, Daniel Sifrim 1
PMCID: PMC3479249  PMID: 23105996

Abstract

The development of the high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) and the Chicago classification have improved the diagnosis and management of esophageal motility disorders. However, some conditions have yet to be addressed by this classification. This review describes findings in HRM which are not included in the current Chicago classification based on the experience in our center. This includes the analysis of the upper esophageal sphincter, proximal esophagus, longitudinal muscle contraction, disorders related to gastroesophageal reflux disease and respiratory symptoms. The utility of provocative tests and the use of HRM in the evaluation of rumination syndrome and post-surgical patients will also be discussed. We believe that characterization of the manometric findings in these areas will eventually lead to incorporation of new criteria into the existing classification.

Keywords: Chicago classification, Esophageal motility disorders, Manometry

Introduction

Esophageal manometry has enabled us to study the esophageal motility by measuring pressure profiles in the esophagus. The recent development of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) has further enhanced our ability to study this in much greater detail by providing pressure measurements at more levels along the esophagus. The increase in the number of readings has also led to the use of color contour plots which allow a more intuitive representation of the measured pressure pattern.1 The development of the Chicago classification Criteria of Esophageal Motility Disorders,2,3 based on HRM, has improved the diagnosis and management of patients with motility-related esophageal symptoms.4,5 However, it is a work in progress which will eventually incorporate new categories of manometric abnormalities linked to patients' symptoms.

In clinical practice, one third of the patients referred to our unit for investigation of presumed pharyngo-esophageal-related complaints have findings in HRM which are not described by the Chicago classification (Fig. 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Pie-chart of high-resolution esophageal manometry diagnoses of 607 patients investigated at the Royal London Hospital Upper GI Physiology Unit in 2011 (unpublished data). UES, upper esophageal sphincter.

The HRM findings in the following areas will be discussed:

  1. Upper esophageal sphincter

  2. Proximal esophagus (striated muscle)

  3. Longitudinal muscle contraction

  4. Disorders related to gastroesophageal reflux disease

  5. Disorders related to gastroesophageal respiratory disorders

  6. Provocative tests

  7. Rumination syndrome

  8. Post-surgical assessments in

    1. Fundoplication
    2. Achalasia treatments
    3. Bariatric surgery

Upper Esophageal Sphincter

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is represented by a 3 cm high pressure zone between the pharynx and the proximal esophagus. It consists of skeletal muscles which relax in a coordinated manner in relation to pharyngeal and proximal esophageal contraction during deglutition. Dysphagia and other cervical symptoms such as globus may be a result of disorders of the UES. Evaluation of the UES may identify abnormalities in the baseline pressures, impaired relaxation during swallows or hyperdynamic UES (large pressure variation caused by respiration). The latter is associated with the globus sensation (Fig. 2-4).6 Compartmentalized pressurization near the UES during swallows may suggest anatomical abnormalities such as a cricopharyngeal bar (Fig. 5).7 Recently, an automated analysis of pharyngeal and UES manometry has been proposed8 which would enable a standardized study protocol.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating a hypotensive upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The white dashed line shows the position of the UES.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating a hyperdynamic upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The white dashed line shows the position of the UES.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating a cricopharyngeal bar. The white arrows show raised intrabolus pressure.

As esophageal intubation may cause elevated UES pressure, care should be taken to allow adequate recovery time before UES measurements are made. In our centre, this is done by performing the UES measurements at the end of the study, whereby we then re-position the HRM catheter to allow adequate visualization of the UES and adjacent structures.

Proximal Esophagus

While the Chicago classification has extensively characterized contractions of the distal smooth muscle esophagus and the length of transitional zone, pathology of proximal (striated muscles) esophageal motility has not been described. We have encountered patients with weak or absent proximal esophageal contractions but normal distal esophageal motility (Fig. 6). The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown. Indeed, many of these patients had no dysphagia or related systemic disorders. However, previous studies with standard manometry have described abnormalities affecting only striated muscles of the esophagus such as myasthenia gravis9 and polymyositis.10

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating absent proximal esophageal contraction. The white dashed lines show the usual position of proximal esophageal contractions.

Longitudinal Muscle Contraction

Longitudinal muscle contraction of the esophagus is important in the pathophysiology of functional esophageal diseases.11 However, pressure changes which are detected by HRM measure mainly circular muscle contractions of the esophagus. Longitudinal contractions may be visualized by "esophageal shortening" where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is seen to be lifted upwards during deglutition (Fig. 7).12,13 Studies have suggested that prolonged contractions of the longitudinal esophageal muscle may be related to non-cardiac chest pain and reflux disease.14,15 Longitudinal muscle contraction may also result in the "pseudorelaxation" appearance in HRM as a result of lifting the LES. It is important to make corresponding adjustments to enable correct measurements of the integrated relaxation pressure, an important parameter to evaluate esophagogastric junction relaxation using HRM. It is also possible to diagnose esophageal shortening-related symptoms using an ambulatory HRM system.16

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating esophageal shortening. The white dashed lines show esophageal lengths and shortening during longitudinal contraction.

Disorders Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The Chicago classification describes manometric abnormalities which are associated with dysphagia. In addition to those diagnoses, HRM may also identify abnormalities which predispose patients to pathological gastroeosphageal reflux disease (GERD).

The distal high pressure zone (DHPZ) is a 3-4 cm high-pressure zone at the distal esophagus that acts as an anti-reflux barrier, constituted by the LES and the crural diaphragm. Pathology which compromises the DHPZ such as hypotensive LES, hiatus hernia and increased number of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) predisposes the patient to increased gastro-esophageal reflux. Hiatus hernia is caused by the sliding of the stomach into the thoracic cavity. This results in the separation of the LES from the crura at the DHPZ which reduces the efficacy of the anti-reflux barrier (Fig. 8). TLESR is the spontaneous relaxations of the LES triggered by vagal reflex, independent of swallowing (Fig. 9).17 It is a vagal reflex triggered by gastric distension and/or pharyngeal or laryngeal stimulation. In patients with normal LES pressure, it is the most common mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux.18,19 HRM also allows a precise measurement of gastroesophageal pressure gradients (GEPG). For example, in a recent study. For example, in a recent study we found that increased GEPG was associated with increased GEPG d post-prandial reflux in a group of patients with cystic fibrosis. In these patients, this was caused by increased negative inspiratory intra-thoracic pressure.20

Figure 8.

Figure 8

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot of hiatus hernia. White dotted box, lower esophageal sphincter (LES); red dotted box, Crura.

Figure 9.

Figure 9

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR).

Esophageal body hypomotility (Fig. 10) can be associated with increased nocturnal acid exposure due to ineffective clearance of acid reflux.21

Figure 10.

Figure 10

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot of esophageal hypomotility.

Identifying the above abnormalities in GERD patients enable management to be directed at their respective pathophysiology.

Disorders Related to Respiratory Symptoms

GERD has been shown to be associated with respiratory symptoms and is thought to be the 3rd most common cause of chronic cough.22 Whilst the exact pathophysiology is still unclear, it has been proposed that esophageal acid exposure, laryngopharyngeal reflux or microaspiration of refluxate into the lung could directly provoke cough or indirectly result in sensitization of the cough reflex, such that cough could be more easily provoked by common environmental stimuli.23 Hypotensive LES and esophageal hypomotility has been associated with increased respiratory symptoms such as nocturnal cough and asthma,24,25 possibly by predisposition to the earlier-mentioned mechanisms. The use of HRM in addition to 24-hour combined pH-impedance monitoring may reveal esophageal motility disorders that can predispose to or be part of a systemic disease (scleroderma or pulmonary fibrosis) that underlies chronic respiratory symptoms.

Rumination Syndrome

Rumination syndrome is a functional disorder characterized by recurrent regurgitation of ingested food back into the mouth. The diagnosis is based on Rome III criteria.26 Using combined HRM-impedance monitoring, the diagnosis is supported by identifying raised intragastric pressure generated by voluntary abdominal contractions (absence of retching), which in turn produces retrograde movement of gastric contents through the esophagus (Fig. 11). Recently, combined HRM-impedance monitoring was effectively used to distinguish between rumination and supragastric belching.27

Figure 11.

Figure 11

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Combined High-resolution esophageal manometry-impedance monitoring demonstrating rumination. White arrows show raised intragastric pressure. Red arrows show retrograde movement of liquid.

Provocative Tests

The Chicago classification is based on analysis of ten 5 mL water swallows. However many patient with esophageal symptoms have normal HRM findings and do not experience symptoms with these small volume water swallows.28 The use of complementary provocative tests which includes the use of multiple rapid swallows (MRS) and solid swallows has been shown to increase sensitivity of detecting motility disorders.29-31

MRS (Fig. 12) examines the integrity of inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms which regulate esophageal motility and esophageal muscle integrity. This is achieved by demonstrating absence of esophageal smooth muscle contractions during the swallows and the ability to mount a strong after-contraction at the end of the MRS.32-34 It is performed by 5 swallows of 3 mL water each (in 2-3 second intervals) which is directly injected into the patient's mouth. This test was shown to demonstrate abnormality in 67% of patients with esophageal symptoms and normal manometry on single water swallows. The ability of patients with esophageal hypomotility to mount a normal after-MRS response also demonstrates intact muscular integrity which may predict response to cholinergic prokinetic treatment. A recent study also showed that abnormal MRS can predict post-operative dysphagia in patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery.35

Figure 12.

Figure 12

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High-resolution esophageal manometry of multiple rapid swallows.

Solid swallows are performed using 1 cm3 bread swallows and normative values have been established previously.36 In clinical practice, solid swallows are difficult to analyze because it generates complex pressure patterns and the food boluses are often not transported in one single swallow. However, HRM abnormalities detected during the investigation which triggers the patient's presenting complaint would provide direct pathophysiological diagnoses for their symptoms.

Post-surgical Assessments

Patients who have undergone surgical procedures have altered anatomies and functions which generate HRM pressure profiles beyond the normal parameters set by the Chicago classification.

Fundoplication alters the configuration of the DHPZ. HRM is useful for evaluation of post-fundoplication patients with recurrence of GERD symptoms or development of new upper gastrointestinal symptoms by analyzing the strength of the DHPZ and relative positions of the LES and the fundoplication wrap. The various configurations of the DHPZ with corresponding positions of the LES and the fundoplication wrap were recently described.37 In summary, an elevated single DHPZ at the LES correlates with an intact and appropriately-positioned fundoplication when there is normal pressure and relaxation. An elevated single DHPZ at the LES with low pressure and normal relaxation suggests disrupted fundoplication while with high pressure and incomplete relaxation, it suggests a twisted fundoplication. The presence of a dual DHPZ indicates an inappropriate position of fundoplication (Fig. 13).

Figure 13.

Figure 13

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(A) Pre-fundoplication high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) showing hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and hiatus hernia. The white dashed line shows a hypotensive LES. The black dashed line shows the diaphragmatic crura. (B) Post-fundoplication HRM showing dual high pressure zones suggesting a slipped fundoplication wrap. The white dashed line shows LES. The red dashed line shows the fundoplication wrap.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder which is characterized by defective relaxation of the LES and absence of esophageal peristalsis resulting in dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain.38 Management involves mechanical disruption of LES muscle fibers by surgical myotomy or pneumatic dilatation.39 Successful treatment can be demonstrated on HRM by the loss of the DHPZ (Fig. 14A). Resting LES pressure of more than 10 mmHg and reduction of less than 50% from baseline are factors predictive of treatment failure and recurrence of symptoms (Fig. 14B),40,41 although distensibility of the LES measured with the endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP) has recently been shown to be a better predictor of treatment outcome.42

Figure 14.

Figure 14

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(A) High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) showing ablation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in a patient with achalasia who underwent successful myotomy. The white dashed line shows a non-relaxing LES with low pressure. (B) HRM showing persistently high basal LES pressure in a patient with achalasia who has persistent symptoms post-myotomy. The white dashed line shows a non-relaxing LES with high basal pressure.

Bariatric surgery which alters anatomy may result in side effects like dysphagia, vomiting or reflux. Studies in laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGB) which assess the transition of peristaltic waves to a sustained LES after-contraction have shown that hypotensive distal esophageal contractions and the absence of the lower esophageal contractile segment is predictive of side effects.43 HRM may also detect anatomical abnormalities such as obstruction secondary to paraprosthetic fibrosis in patients who underwent LAGB which is demonstrated by the presence of a gastric high pressure zone after removal of the gastric band.44

Conclusion

The development of the Chicago classification Criteria of Esophageal Motility Disorders,2,3 based on HRM, has significantly improved the diagnosis and management of patients with motility-related esophageal symptoms but remains an evolutionary process.

The understanding of the basic structures and physiology of the esophagus as well as their changes in diseases and surgical procedures will enable the use of HRM for a wide spectrum of conditions beyond those defined by the current classification. We believe that characterization of the manometric findings in these conditions will eventually lead to incorporation of new criteria for the diagnoses of pharyngo-esophageal disorders into the classification.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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High-resolution esophageal manometry contour plot demonstrating a hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The white dashed line shows the position of the UES.

Footnotes

Financial support: None.

Conflicts of interest: None.

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