Correlation of Manometric and Radiologic Data from the Esophagogastric Area

Abstract

Thirty patients, normal or with hiatal hernias, were examined, using simultaneous recording on the same ciné film of the radiographic appearance and manometry of the distal esophagus and adjacent stomach. A closed sphincter measuring 1 to 2 em in length was found. A high-pressure zone longer than 2 cm was due to factors other than the intrinsic sphincter. The primary peristaltic wave terminated at the sphincter. The sphincter moved 1 to 4 cm cephalad with swallowing. Detection of a small segment of stomach above the diaphragm during and shortly after swallowing is normal.