Esophagogastric Junction Distensibility on Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Topography Predicts Treatment Response in Achalasia - Anatomy Matters!

Anand S. Jain, Dustin A. Carlson, Joseph Triggs, Michael Tye, Wenjun Kou, Ryan Campagna, Eric Hungness, Donald Kim, Peter J. Kahrilas, John E. Pandolfino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:To compare the utility of the distensibility index (DI) on functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) topography to other esophagogastric junction (EGJ) metrics in assessing treatment response in achalasia in the context of esophageal anatomy.METHODS:We prospectively evaluated 79 patients (at ages 17-81 years; 47% female patients) with achalasia during follow-up after pneumatic dilation, Heller myotomy, or per-oral endoscopic myotomy with timed barium esophagram, high-resolution impedance manometry, and FLIP. Anatomic deformities were identified based on consensus expert opinion. Patients were classified based on anatomy and EGJ opening to determine the association with radiographic outcome and Eckardt score (ES).RESULTS:Twenty-seven patients (34.1%) had an anatomic deformity - 10 pseudodiverticula at myotomy, 7 epiphrenic diverticula, 5 sigmoid, and 5 sinktrap. A 5-minute column area of >5 cm2 was best associated with an ES of >3, with a sensitivity of 84% (P = 0.0013). Area under the curve for EGJ metrics in association with retention was as follows: DI, 0.90; maximal EGJ diameter, 0.76; integrated relaxation pressure, 0.64; and basal esophagogastric junction pressure, 0.53. Only FLIP metrics were associated with retention given normal anatomy (DI 2.4 vs 5.2 mm2/mm Hg and maximal EGJ diameter 13.1 vs 16.6 mm in patients with and without retention, respectively; P values < 0.0001 and 0.002). Using a DI cutoff of <2.8 as abnormal, 40 of 45 patients with retention (P = 0.0001) and 23 of 25 patients with an ES of >3 (P = 0.02) had a low DI and/or anatomic deformity. With normal anatomy, 21 of 22 patients with retention had a low or borderline low DI.DISCUSSION:The FLIP DI is most useful metric for assessing the effect of achalasia treatment on EGJ opening. However, abnormal anatomy is an important mediator of outcome and treatment success will be modulated by anatomic defects that impede bolus emptying.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1455-1463
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume114
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2019

Funding

Guarantor of the article: John E. Pandolfino, MD, MS. Specific author contributions: A.J.: study concept and design, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, statistical analysis, drafting of the manuscript; D.C.: study concept and design, acquisition of data; J.T.: study concept and design; M.T.: acquisition of data, W.K.: analysis and interpretation of data, statistical analysis; R.C.: study concept and design; E.H.: study concept and design; D.K.: acquisition of data; P.J.K.: study concept and design, revision of the manuscript; J.E.P.: study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, critical revision of the manuscript, obtained funding, technical and material support. Financial support: NIH R01 DK079902. Potential competing interests: D.C., P.K., and J.P. have intellectual property rights surrounding endoFLIP technology.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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