Swallow Impairment in Parkinson's Disease: Revelations from High-Resolution Videomanometry.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder that can cause dysphagia and dysphonia. We studied upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function and vocal tests using high-resolution videomanometry (HRVM) in PD. Ten healthy volunteers and 20 patients with PD performed swallowings (5 ml and 10 ml) and vocal tests using HRVM synchronized to the vocal acoustic recording.

THE DYSPHAGIA INVESTIGATION: IS THERE STILL SPACE FOR THE VIDEOFLUOROSCOPIC METHOD?

Aim: Dysphagia can lead to aspiration pneumonia, impacting the nutritional status and quality of life of the patient. The videofluoroscopy is highlighted for allowing both a real-time evaluation and the recording of the images for later review and analysis. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of the population referred for videofluoroscopy and its value as an investigation method.

[Higher prevalence of obesity in erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease].

Context: Weight loss is commonly recommended as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux; however, a relationship between excessive body weight and gastroesophageal reflux disease is not well established.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of obesity and over-weight in patients with heartburn, with and without erosive esophagitis; to analyze the prevalence of hiatal hernia and the intensity of abnormal gastroesophageal reflux in both groups of patients, and its relation to body mass index.

Methods: The data of pH monitoring of 362 individuals with heartburn were evaluated retrospectively.

Gastroesophageal reflux in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices without endoscopic treatment.

Background: Portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis causes manifestations such as esophageal varices, ascites and edema. Some studies have been conducted about the role of esophageal varices in the development of esophageal motor disorders and abnormal gastroesophageal reflux in these patients. Ascites could be a factor promoting gastroesophageal reflux and it has been questioned whether reflux would favor the rupture of varices.

Are there any differences between nutcracker esophagus with and without reflux?

"Nutcracker esophagus" (NE) is a primary esophageal motor disorder, first described in patients with noncardiac chest pain. In recent years NE has been associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this study we compare patients with NE with and without GERD, as defined by pHmetry or endoscopy, with respect to clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and manometric findings.