Electromyographical Studies on the Esophageal Motility of Achalasia

Abstract

The electromyogram was taken at the upper, middle and lower portions of the esophagus by the method of intraesophageal recording in 21 patients with achalasia, which was compared with that in 20 normal subjects. In achalasia, the shorter appearance time and a slightly longer duration were observed in esophageal electromyogram in all 3 leads. The magnitude of maximum amplitude was small at the upper, medium at the middle, and large at the lower portion where it was greater than that in normal subjects. The mode of the appearance of burst was divided into five type 1: The burst appeared in all 3 leads in orderly fashion. Type 2: The burst simultaneously appeared in all 3 leads. Type 3: The burst appeared only in the upper lead. Type 4: The burst appeared in any leads. Type 5: No burst appeared in any leads.