J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2012 Oct;18(4):357-364.

Biomechanics of Esophageal Function in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

• Read AJ
• Pandolfino JE

Abstract

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus triggered by an immune response that leads to symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, and food impaction. EoE is a clinicopathologic syndrome that requires clinical symptoms and pathologic findings for a diagnosis. The inflammatory process and eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus in EoE lead to fibrosis and structural changes within the esophagus that cause esophageal dysfunction. The biomechanics of the esophageal function in EoE have been explored using manometry, impedance planimetry, barium esophagograms, and endoscopic ultrasound. These studies have identified several biomechanical changes to the esophagus in EoE including pan-esophageal pressurization on manometry, changes in esophageal compliance with decreased distentisbility by impedance planimetry, decreased esophageal luminal diameter by esophagograms, and dysfunction in the esophageal longitudinal muscles by endoscopic ultrasound. Treatments for the disease involve dietary changes, immunosuppressive drugs, and dilation techniques. However, the data regarding the effect of these therapies on altering mechanical properties of the esophagus is limited. As the pathogenesis of esophageal dysfunction in EoE appears multifactorial, further study of the biomechanics of EoE is critical to better diagnose, monitor and treat the disease.

Keyword

Biomechanics; Dilatation; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Manometry; Physiopathology

MeSH Terms

Barium
Biomechanics
Chest Pain
Compliance
Deglutition Disorders
Dilatation
Electric Impedance
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophils
Esophagus
Fibrosis
Manometry
Muscles
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Phenobarbital
Barium
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Phenobarbital