Reinterpretation of Follow-Up, High-Resolution Manometry for Esophageal Motility Disorders Based on the Updated Chicago Classification

The aim of this study was to assess changes between primary classification of esophageal motility disease and follow-up classification by high resolution manometry (HRM) and to determine whether previously classified diseases could be recategorized according to the updated Chicago Classification published in 2011. We reviewed individual medical records and HRM findings twice for each of 13 subjects. We analyzed primary and follow-up HRM findings based on the original Chicago Classification. We then reclassified the same HRM findings according to the updated Chicago Classification. This case series revealed the variable course of esophageal motility disorders; some patients experienced improvement, whereas others experienced worsening symptoms. Four cases were reclassified from variant achalasia to peristaltic abnormality, one case from diffuse esophageal spasm to type II achalasia and one case from peristaltic abnormality to variant achalasia. Four unclassified findings were recategorized as variant achalasia. In conclusion, esophageal motility disorders are variable and may not be best conceptualized as an independent group. Original classifications can be recategorized according to the updated Chicago Classification system. More research is needed on this topic.