The Clinical Application of Esophageal Motility Tests

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Abstract
Tests of esophageal motility are a valuable tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of motor disorders of the esophagus. The technique is uncomplicated and safe and the equipment necessary for the studies is available at many hospitals. Motility tests are particularly important in studying patients with achalasia, hiatal hernia, diffuse spasm and scleroderma. In subtle or early cases, pressure tracings may be the most productive diagnostic method available. This is particularly true in diffuse spasm. In patients with obscure chest pain and various degrees of dysphagia, motility tests often provide the clue that is needed to establish the definitive diagnosis. In pregnancy, when exposure to radiation is to be avoided, such studies may be used to particularly good advantage. Representative cases and a review of the pressure characteristics of several disorders have been presented to point out the value of this method in selected individuals.