The role of the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract in the Western world. GERD pathophysiology is multifactorial. Different mechanisms may contribute to GERD including an increase in the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient (TPG). The pathophysiology of GERD linked to TPG is not entirely understood. This review shows that TPG is an important contributor to GERD even when an intact esophagogastric barrier is present in the setting of obesity and pulmonary diseases.