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  • Title: Angina-like chest pain associated with high-amplitude peristaltic contractions of the esophagus.
    Author: Ferguson MK, Little AG.
    Journal: Surgery; 1988 Oct; 104(4):713-9. PubMed ID: 3175868.
    Abstract:
    We reviewed 123 consecutive patients who underwent esophageal function testing to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the syndrome of high-amplitude peristaltic contractions (HAPC). Twenty-eight patients (23%) were found to have HAPC, including 16 males and 12 females with a median age of 54 years. Barium esophograms yielded no evidence of motility disorders, while 35% of those tested had pathologic gastroesophageal acid reflux. Twenty (71%) were initially referred for evaluation of angina-like chest pain, and 8 were referred with other symptoms. Of those with chest pain, 19 initially underwent extensive evaluation for coronary artery disease before the diagnosis of HAPC. Symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia were absent or minimal in most patients. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was normal in 27 patients, and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation was normal in all patients. Mean distal esophageal peak peristaltic pressure was 147.8 mm Hg, while the highest peak peristaltic pressure for each patient averaged 193.2 mm Hg. Seven patients had mean peristaltic wave durations of more than 7 seconds. Patients with atypical chest pain or those with typical angina in whom coronary artery disease is eliminated as a possible cause should be evaluated for HAPC with esophageal manometry. Patients with symptoms are usually successfully treated with smooth muscle relaxants, and surgical intervention is rarely necessary.
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