Figure-5. Healthy controls distinctively demonstrate a unique pattern of striated-muscle peristaltic waves while distal smooth-muscle esophagus is quiescent.
A–B) In healthy controls, when the infusate reaches proximal esophagus a robust esophago-UES contractile reflex (EUCR), and sometimes a unique pattern of striated peristaltic waves sweep the infusate away from UES. Perhaps more importantly, when infusate is in close proximity of the lower border of UES, striated-muscle activity is universally present prior to any swallow-related UES relaxation. C–D) SERD patients frequently show impaired EUCR and non-peristaltic esophageal contractions. They frequently do not mount any esophageal striated activity prior to swallow-related UES relaxation despite exposure of the lower border of UES to infusate.