Korean J Gastroenterol.  2000 Mar;35(3):269-275.

Esophageal Manometry and 24 Hours Ambulatory Esophageal pH Monitoring in Patients with Globus Pharyngeus

• Kim EJ
• Chung IK
• Kim HS
• Park SH
• Lee MH
• Kim SJ
• Chung YH

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Globus sensation in throat is generally considered as psychiatric disorder, but its pathophysiology is still controversial. It has been reported that esophageal motility disorder and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease have a role in the pathogenesis of globus pharyngeus. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether any association exists among esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and globus pharyngeus.
METHODS
Thirty-seven patients with globus sensation were enrolled in this study. Esophageal manometry and 24 hours ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring were carried out.
RESULTS
Fifty-one percent (19 of 37 patients) demonstrated motility abnormality in esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The most common abnormality was non-specific esophageal motility disorder in 14 of the patients (38%). Two patients (5%) had nutcraker esophagus, 2 patients (5%) showed hypertensive LES, 1 patient (3%) had diffuse spasm. Abnormal gastro-esophageal reflux was noted in 5 patients (14%). It was revealed that 21 patients (57%) showed esophageal motility disorders and/or pathologic gastro-esophageal reflux.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant relation between esophageal motility disorders and/or gastro-esophageal reflux in patients with globus pharyngeus.

Keyword

Globus pharyngeus; Esophageal motility disorder; Gastro-esophageal reflux

MeSH Terms

Esophageal Motility Disorders
Esophageal pH Monitoring*
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Humans
Manometry*
Pharynx
Sensation
Spasm