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A test of gastroesophageal sphincter competence

The common cavity test

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The American Journal of Digestive Diseases Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Gastroesophageal manometrics, using continuously perfused polyvinyl tubes, and acid reflux (pH test) were studied prospectively in 13 patients with, and 14, without symptoms and/or signs of gastroesophageal reflux. Pressures were recorded simultaneously from stomach, gastroesophageal sphincter and distal esophagus at rest and during gradual abdominal compression to 80 mm Hg. Neither the mean resting pressures nor the mean increase in gastric or sphincter pressures, during abdominal compression, were significantly different (P>0.10). Sphincteric yield pressures did not separate the 2 groups. However, the mean esophageal pressure rise was significantly greater (P<0.001) in the symptomatic patients (34±4.5 vs 9.9±3.2 mm Hg). The mean pressure in the stomach, sphincter and esophagus became almost identical in the symptomatic patients—a “common cavity” occurred between stomach and esophagus. Two symptomatic patients had negative pH but positive common cavity tests. No asymptomatic patient had evidence of either reflux or a positive common cavity test.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Donald G. Butterfield MD (Chief)

    Present address: Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Presbyterian Hospital Medical Center, Denver, Colo

Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Medical Center and Denver Veterans Administration Hospital, Denver, Col

    Donald G. Butterfield MD (Chief), John E. Struthers Jr MD, J. Philip & Showalter BS

Authors
  1. Donald G. Butterfield MD
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  2. John E. Struthers Jr MD
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  3. J. Philip
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  4. Showalter BS
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Additional information

Supported by the Denver Veterans Administration Hospital Training Grant in Gastroenterology, TR 110, and by the National Institute of Health Training Grant in Gastroenterology, AM 5122.

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Butterfield, D.G., Struthers, J.E., Philip, J. et al. A test of gastroesophageal sphincter competence. Digest Dis Sci 17, 415–422 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231293

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