Distal Esophageal Spasm: An Updated Review

Abstract

Distal esophageal spasm is characterized by premature contractions of the distal esophageal smooth muscle leading to non-obstructive dysphagia and non-cardiac chest pain. Diagnosis requires the presence of symptoms along with evidence of at least 20% premature contractions in the setting of a normal lower esophageal sphincter relaxation on high-resolution manometry. New updates to the Chicago Classification have improved the diagnostic accuracy of this method. Functional lumen imaging probe is a growing diagnostic modality that gives a more complete picture of esophageal motility. Pharmacologic treatment remains inadequate. Endoscopic myotomy might be of benefit for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders. More research is required to better understand the pathophysiology and develop safe and long-lasting management for this disease.