Electroesophagogram in gastroesophageal reflux disease with a new theory on the pathogenesis of its electric changes

BMC Surgery

Ali Shafik¹  Ismail Shafik¹  Olfat El-Sibai²  Ahmed Shafik¹ 

[1] Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Eygpt;Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Eygpt

关键词: gastroesophageal reflux disease;    GERD;    acid reflux;    action potentials;    Slow waves;   

Others  :  1123770
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2482-4-13

 received in 2004-03-20, accepted in 2004-10-05,  发布年份 2004

【 摘 要 】

Background

In view of the disturbed esophageal peristaltic activity and abnormal esophageal motility in gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD), we investigated the hypothesis that these changes result from a disordered myoelectric activity of the esophagus.

Methods

The electric activity of the esophagus (electroesophagogram, EEG) was studied in 27 patients with GERD (16 men, 11 women, mean age 42.6 ± 5.2 years) and 10 healthy volunteers as controls (6 men, 4 women, mean age 41.4 ± 4.9 years). According to the Feussner scoring system, 7 patients had a mild (score 1), 10 a moderate (score 2) and 10 a severe (score 3) stage of the disease. One electrode was applied to the upper third and a second to the lower third of the esophagus, and the electric activity was recorded. The test was repeated after the upper electrode had been moved to the mid-esophagus.

Results

The EEG of the healthy volunteers showed slow waves and exhibited the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity from the 2 electrodes of the individual subject, regardless of their location in the upper, middle or lower esophagus. Action potentials occurred randomly. In GERD patients, score 1 exhibited electric waves' variables similar to those of the healthy volunteers. In score 2, the waves recorded irregular rhythm and lower variables than the controls. Score 3 showed a "silent" EEG without waves.

Conclusion

The electric activity in GERD exhibited 3 different patterns depending on the stages of GERD. Score 1 exhibited a normal EEG which apparently denotes normal esophageal motility. Score 2 recorded irregular electric waves variables which are presumably indicative of decreased esophageal motility and reflux clearance. In score 3, a "silent" EEG was recorded with probably no acid clearance. It is postulated that the interstitial cells of Cajal which are the electric activity generators, are involved in the inflammatory process of GERD. Destruction of these cells appears to occur in grades that are in accordance with GERD scores. The EEG seems to have the potential to act as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of GERD stages.

【 授权许可】

   
2004 Shafik et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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