The diagnosis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is currently based on high‐resolution esophageal manometry and is characterized by impaired EGJ relaxation with preserved esophageal peristalsis. This condition has been defined by the Chicago Classification as a major esophageal motility disorder, although its clinical significance is controversial since heterogeneous and irrelevant presentations have been reported. EGJOO commonly has a benign clinical course, with spontaneous resolution, but it can also be associated with opioid usage, early achalasia, and mechanical obstruction. A careful medical, surgical, and medication history coupled with a careful manometry interpretation focused on the factors that might affect the integrated relaxation pressure are the keys for an accurate diagnosis. The advance of esophageal physiological tests can evaluate the clearance of the esophageal contents across the EGJ. The manometry technique, including testing in an upright position and provocative tests, can also complement those tests and demonstrate the evidence of EGJ obstruction. After making a diagnosis, endoscopy should be an initial step to exclude anatomical causes if it has not yet been done. Imaging studies can identify infiltrative lesions, but the reported diagnostic yield is relatively low. Management of EGJOO depends on the underlying etiology. Functional EGJOO patients with persistent dysphagia associated with the presence of outflow obstruction may require EGJ disruption therapy.

Background. Little is known about the effect of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) specific therapy on pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) because such patients are usually excluded from randomized clinical trials (RCT) of such therapy. Methods. We searched PUBMED using the terms “(Therapy/Broad (filter)) AND (portopulmonary hypertension).” We included studies that met the following criteria: ≥5 patients, AND PoPH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC), AND follow-up RHC data, AND/OR baseline and follow-up 6MWD available. Results. 12 studies met our inclusion criteria. None was a RCT. The baseline mPAP was 48.6 ± 4.4 mmHg, cardiac output (CO) 5.6 ± 0.9 L/min, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 668.6 ± 219.1 dynes.sec/cm5. The baseline 6MWD was 348.2 ± 35.6 meters. The use of PAH specific therapy improved mPAP by 7.54 mmHg (95% CI 10.2 to 4.9), CO by 1.77 L/min (95% CI 1.1 to 2.4), and PVR by 253 dynes.sec/cm5 (95% CI 291.4 to 214.6) (n = 135) and 6MWD by 61.8 meters (95% CI 47.5 to 76) (n = 122). Conclusions. The use of PAH specific therapy in PoPH results in significant improvement in both pulmonary hemodynamics and 6MWD.

BackgroundAcute cholangitis results in significant mortality unless treated promptly. The diagnostic grading criteria of the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines (TG18) are used worldwide as the standard for acute cholangitis (AC) management but validation in clinical practice is required. AimUse of the Tokyo 2018 (TG18) guidelines in improving the diagnostic accuracy and early detection of AC compared to fellow clinical assessment. MethodsA retrospective review of patient records from 1/2010-9/2019 seen at Augusta University -Medical College of Georgia with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code "cholangitis" and/or ICD-10 codes "acute cholangitis, other cholangitis, and calculus of bile duct with cholangitis" was performed. Inclusion criteria were gastroenterology inpatient consult fellow evaluation and clinical diagnosis of AC. A definitive diagnosis of AC was determined following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). TG18 scoring for AC was then performed, categorized as either diagnostic/non-diagnostic, and compared to fellow clinical assessments following definitive diagnosis post-ERCP. Data were analyzed with chi-square testing. ResultsTwo hundred six patients were identified using ICD codes. Ninety-one met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The mean patient age of the overall group was 67 years old (standard deviation of 13.3 years) with males comprising 69% and non-Hispanic white 56% of the study group. TG18 criteria assessment had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 63% for patients with AC post ERCP (p <0.05). TG18 accuracy was 81%. In comparison, fellow clinical suspicion had a sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 0% (NS). Fellow accuracy was 71%. No difference in fellows' diagnosis of suspected AC was noted based on the training year. ConclusionApplication of the TG18 criteria for AC reduces the false positive rate and improves diagnostic accuracy, thus decreasing costs along with avoiding unnecessary ERCPs with associated complications.

SEPS and SEMS have similar outcomes when used for benign or malignant esophageal conditions. However, SEPS use results in decreased costs without impacting care.