Esophageal Motility

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Esophageal Motility disorders are not uncommon in gastroenterology. The spectrum of these disorders ranges from the well-defined primary esophageal motility disorders (PEMDs) to very nonspecific disorders that may play a more indirect role in reflux disease and otherwise be asymptomatic. Esophageal motility disorders may occur as manifestations of systemic diseases, referred to as secondary motility disorders.

Esophageal motility disorders are less common than mechanical and inflammatory diseases affecting the esophagus, such as reflux esophagitis, peptic strictures, and mucosal rings. The clinical presentation of a motility disorder is varied, but, classically, dysphagia and chest pain are reported. In 80% of patients, the cause of a patient's dysphagia can be suggested from the history, including dysmotility of the esophagus. Before entertaining a diagnosis of a motility disorder, first and foremost, the physician must evaluate for a mechanical obstructing lesion.

For more information, please see www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC740.HTM
eMedicine – http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/174783-overview




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