Diffuse oesophageal spasms: results of a retrospective manometric study

Diffuse esophageal spasms is a primary motor disrder of the esophagus of unknown etiology characterized by intermettent peristalsis. This is rare condition which represents 3-5% if primary disorders of the esophagus. Diagnosis and treatment of this entity are difficult. To evaluate the frequency and the clinical and the manometric features of diffuse esophageal spasms. We conducted a retrospective study related to esophageal manometry performed between January 2000 and December 2011 regardless of the indication. Patients with meeting criteria for diffuse esophageal spasms (> 20 % simultaneous waves with greater than 30 mmHg pressure in the esophagus) were included. Out of 1188 patients, 13 (1,09 %) met the manometric criteria for diffuse esophageal spasms. It was 8 women and 5 men with a median age of 57 years. Dysphagia was the most relevant symptom and chest pain was only noted in 1 patient. The frequency of simultaneous waves was between 20 and 80 %. The pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was normal in most cases. In this Tunisian manometric study, the diffuse esophageal spasms is rare. Dysphagia was the most relevant symptom and the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was normal in most cases.