Figure 2. Different test results and their representation obtained in a patient with the esophageal motility disorder achalasia.

Pressure recordings obtained at different levels can be displayed as line tracings, showing the typical manometric results in this disorder with aperistalsis in the tubular esophagus and incomplete relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (Panel A). The same findings are shown as high-resolution esophageal pressure topography, with the results of many different recording sites being color-coded and with a seamless display of the entire esophageal length based on real and extrapolated data (Panel B). The corresponding contrast study (Panel C) shows a dilated esophagus with contrast retention and smooth tapering of the distal esophagus with a non-opening LES.