Nutcracker esophagus

Nutcracker esophagus
Classification and external resources
Specialty gastroenterology
ICD-10 K22.4
ICD-9-CM 530.5
DiseasesDB f.htm 32060 f
eMedicine med/743
MeSH D015154
Time space graph of normal peristalsis. Nutcracker esophagus shows higher amplitude contractions (Z-axis) that take longer to pass (X-axis)

Nutcracker esophagus, or hypertensive peristalsis, is a disorder of the movement of the esophagus characterized by contractions in the smooth muscle of the esophagus in a normal sequence but at an excessive amplitude or duration. Nutcracker esophagus is one of several motility disorders of the esophagus, including achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm. It causes difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, to both solid and liquid foods, and can cause significant chest pain; it may also be asymptomatic. Nutcracker esophagus can affect people of any age, but is more common in the sixth and seventh decades of life. The diagnosis is made by an esophageal motility study (esophageal manometry), which evaluates the pressure of the esophagus at various points along its length. The term "nutcracker esophagus" comes from the finding of increased pressures during peristalsis, with a diagnosis made when pressures exceed 180 mmHg; this has been likened to the pressure of a mechanical nutcracker. The disorder does not progress, and is not associated with any complications; as a result, treatment of nutcracker esophagus targets control of symptoms only.[1][2]

Symptoms

Nutcracker esophagus is characterized as a motility disorder of the esophagus, meaning that it is caused by abnormal movement, or peristalsis of the esophagus.[2] Patients with motility disorders are present with two key symptoms: either with chest pain (typically reported as non-cardiac chest pain as it is esophageal in origin), which is usually found in disorders of spasm, or with dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing). Nutcracker esophagus can present with either of these, but chest pain is the more common presentation. The chest pain is very severe and intense, and mimics cardiac chest pain.[3][4][5][6] It may spread into the arm and back. The symptoms of nutcracker esophagus are intermittent, and may occur with or without food.[2] Rarely, patients can present with a sudden obstruction of the esophagus after eating food (termed a food bolus obstruction, or the 'steakhouse syndrome') requiring urgent treatment. The disorder does not progress to produce worsening symptoms or complications, unlike other motility disorders (such as achalasia) or anatomical abnormalities of the esophagus (such as peptic strictures or esophageal cancer). Many patients with nutcracker esophagus do not have any symptoms at all, as esophageal manometry studies done on patients without symptoms may show the same motility findings as nutcracker esophagus.[2] Nutcracker esophagus may also be associated with the metabolic syndrome, The incidence of nutcracker esophagus in all patients is uncertain.

Diagnosis

In patients who have dysphagia, testing may first be done to exclude an anatomical cause of dysphagia, such as distortion of the anatomy of the esophagus. This usually includes visualization of the esophagus with an endoscope, and can also include barium swallow X-rays of the esophagus. Endoscopy is typically normal in patients with nutcracker esophagus; however, abnormalities associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which associates with nutcracker esophagus, may be seen.[7] Barium swallow in nutcracker esophagus is also typically normal,[2] but may provide a definitive diagnosis if contrast is given in tablet or granule form. Studies on endoscopic ultrasound show slight trends toward thickening of the muscularis propria of the esophagus in nutcracker esophagus, but this is not useful in making the diagnosis.[8]

Esophageal motility studies

Diagram of esophageal motility study in nutcracker esophagus: The disorder shows peristalsis with high-pressure esophageal contractions exceeding 180 mmHg and contractile waves with a long duration exceeding 6 sec.

The diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus is typically made with an esophageal motility study, which shows characteristic features of the disorder. Esophageal motility studies involve pressure measurements of the esophagus after a patient takes a wet (fluid-containing) or dry (solid-containing) swallow. Measurements are usually taken at various points in the esophagus.[9]

Nutcracker esophagus is characterized by a number of criteria described in the literature. The most commonly used criteria are the Castell criteria, named after American gastroenterologist D.O. Castell. The Castell criteria include one major criterion: a mean peristaltic amplitude in the distal esophagus of more than 180 mm Hg. The minor criterion is the presence of repetitive contractions (meaning two or more) that are greater than six seconds in duration. Castell also noted that the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes normally in nutcracker esophagus, but has an elevated pressure of greater than 40 mm Hg at baseline.[2][9][10][11]

Three other criteria for definition of the nutcracker esophagus have been defined. The Gothenburg criterion consists of the presence of peristaltic contractions, with an amplitude of 180 mm Hg at any place in the esophagus.[7][11] The Richter criterion involves the presence of peristaltic contractions with an amplitude of greater than 180 mmHg from an average of measurements taken 3 and 8 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. It has been incorporated into a number of clinical guidelines for the evaluation of dysphagia.[11] The Achem criteria are more stringent, and are an extension of the study of 93 patients used by Richter and Castell in the development of their criteria, and require amplitudes of greater than 199 mm Hg at 3 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), greater than 172 mm Hg at 8 cm above the LES, or greater than 102 mm Hg at 13 cm above the LES.[11][12]

Pathophysiology

Pathology specimens of the esophagus in patients with nutcracker esophagus show no significant abnormality, unlike patients with achalasia, where destruction of the Auerbach's plexus is seen. The pathophysiology of nutcracker esophagus may be related to abnormalities in neurotransmitters or other mediators in the distal esophagus. Abnormalities in nitric oxide levels, which have been seen in achalasia, are postulated as the primary abnormality.[2][13] As GERD is associated with nutcracker esophagus, the alterations in nitric oxide and other released chemicals may be in response to reflux.[11]

Treatment

Nutcracker esophagus is a benign, nonprogressive condition, meaning it is not associated with significant complications. Patients are usually reassured by their physicians that the disease is unlikely to worsen. However, the symptoms of chest pain and dysphagia may be severe enough to require treatment with medications, and rarely, surgery.

The initial step of treatment focuses on reducing risk factors. While weight reduction may be useful in reducing symptoms, the role of acid suppression therapy to reduce esophageal reflux is still uncertain.[14] Very cold and very hot beverages may trigger esophageal spasms.[15][16]

Medical therapy for nutcracker esophagus includes the use of calcium-channel blockers, which relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and palliate the dysphagia symptoms. Diltiazem, a calcium-channel blocker, has been used in randomized control studies with good effect. Nitrate medications, including isosorbide dinitrate, given before meals, may also help relax the LES and improve symptoms.[2] The inexpensive generic combination of belladonna and phenobarbital (Donnatal and other brands) may be taken three times daily as a tablet to prevent attacks or, for patients with only occasional episodes, as an elixir at the onset of symptoms. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil, can be given to reduce symptoms, particularly pain, but small trials have not been able to demonstrate clinical improvement.[17][18] Finally, trazodone, an antidepressant that reduces visceral sensitivity, has also been shown to reduce chest pain symptoms in patients with nutcracker esophagus.[19]

Endoscopic therapy with botulinum toxin, known also as Botox, can also be used to improve dysphagia which stabilizes unintentional weight loss, but the effect has limited effect on other symptoms, including pain, while also being a temporary treatment lasting a few weeks.[20] Finally, pneumatic dilatation of the esophagus, which is an endoscopic technique where a high-pressure balloon is used to stretch the muscles of the LES, can be performed to improve symptoms, but again no clinical improvement is seen in regards to motility.[21]

Surgery

In patients who have no response to medical or endoscopic therapy, surgery can be performed. A Heller myotomy involves an incision to disrupt the LES and the myenteric plexus that innervates it. The Heller myotomy is used as a final treatment option in patients who do not respond to other therapies.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Esophageal Spasm at eMedicine
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tutuian, Radu; Castell, Donald O. (2006). "Esophageal motility disorders (Distal esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter): Modern management". Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology. 9 (4): 283. doi:10.1007/s11938-006-0010-y. PMID 16836947.
  3. ↑ http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20278772,00.html
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-spasms/basics/symptoms/con-20025653
  5. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/19/us/health-symptoms-diagnosis-when-chest-pains-have-nothing-with-heart-attack.html
  6. ↑ http://www.secondscount.org/heart-condition-centers/info-detail-2/nonheart-attack-sources-of-chest-pain#.WB21uPl97IU
  7. 1 2 Fang, J; Bjorkman, D (2002). "Nutcracker esophagus: GERD or an esophageal motility disorder". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 97 (6): 1556–7. doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(02)04159-X. PMID 12094884.
  8. ↑ Meizer, Ehud; Ron, Yishay; Tiomni, Elisa; Avni, Yona; Bar-Meier, Simon (1997). "Assessment of the esophageal wall by endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with nutcracker esophagus". Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 46 (3): 223. doi:10.1016/S0016-5107(97)70090-7. PMID 9378208.
  9. 1 2 Cockeram, A. W. (1998). "Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Practice Guidelines: Evaluation of dysphagia". Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 12 (6): 409–13. PMID 9784896.
  10. ↑ Ott, D. J. (1994). "Motility disorders of the esophagus". Radiologic clinics of North America. 32 (6): 1117–34. PMID 7972703.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Pilhall, M.; Börjesson, M.; Rolny, P.; Mannheimer, C. (2002). "Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus, segmental or diffuse hypertensive patterns, and clinical characteristics". Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 47 (6): 1381–8. doi:10.1023/A:1015343119090. PMID 12064816.
  12. ↑ Achem, S. R.; Kolts, B. E.; Burton, L (1993). "Segmental versus diffuse nutcracker esophagus: An intermittent motility pattern". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 88 (6): 847–51. PMID 8503378.
  13. ↑ Kahrilas, P. J. (2000). "Esophageal motility disorders: Current concepts of pathogenesis and treatment". Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 14 (3): 221–31. PMID 10758419.
  14. ↑ Borjesson, M.; Rolny, P.; Mannheimer, C.; Pilhall, M. (2003). "Nutcracker oesophagus: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of the effects of lansoprazole". Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 18 (11–12): 1129. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2306.2003.01788.x. PMID 14653833.
  15. ↑ "Esophageal spasm: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". Nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2013-01-15.
  16. ↑ "Esophageal Spasm Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and More". Webmd.com. 2011-06-01. Retrieved 2013-01-15.
  17. ↑ Eherer, A. J.; Schwetz, I; Hammer, H. F.; Petnehazy, T; Scheidl, S. J.; Weber, K; Krejs, G. J. (2002). "Effect of sildenafil on oesophageal motor function in healthy subjects and patients with oesophageal motor disorders". Gut. 50 (6): 758–64. doi:10.1136/gut.50.6.758. PMC 1773249Freely accessible. PMID 12010875.
  18. ↑ http://www.dpic.org/article/professional/sildenafil-esophageal-motility-disorders[]
  19. ↑ Clouse, R. E.; Lustman, P. J.; Eckert, T. C.; Ferney, D. M.; Griffith, L. S. (1987). "Low-dose trazodone for symptomatic patients with esophageal contraction abnormalities. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Gastroenterology. 92 (4): 1027–36. PMID 3549420.
  20. ↑ Vanuytsel, Tim; Bisschops, Raf; Farré, Ricard; Pauwels, Ans; Holvoet, Lieselot; Arts, Joris; Caenepeel, Philip; De Wulf, Dominiek; Mimidis, Kostas; Rommel, Nathalie; Tack, Jan (2013). "Botulinum Toxin Reduces Dysphagia in Patients with Nonachalasia Primary Esophageal Motility Disorders". Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 11 (9): 1115. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2013.03.021. PMID 23591282.
  21. ↑ http://www.hon.ch/OESO/books/Vol_4_Prim_Motility/Articles/ART280.HTML#R18[]
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