Manometric studies were analyzed with Manoview analysis software (Given Imaging, Duluth, GA, USA). The EPT metrics utilized for the Chicago Classification [3 (link),4 (link)] were the integrative relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integrity (DCI), contractile front velocity (CFV) and distal latency (DL) [5 (link)]. Metrics utilized to quantify resting EGJ pressure (HRM EGJ metrics) were the following:
Lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral (LES-PI) as described by Hoshino [4 (link)] determined by enclosing the domain of the LES area during a 10s-period time with the DCI tool, setting the threshold isobaric contour (IBC) at 20 mmHg
A novel metric, EGJ contractile index (EGJ-CI) developed as an alternative to the LES-PI (
Inspiratory EGJ pressure (EGJP-insp). Average maximal inspiratory EGJ pressure for 3 respiratory cycles, ideally in a quiescent portion of recording, free of swallows
Expiratory EGJ pressure (EGJP-exp). Average EGJ pressure midway between inspirations for the same 3 respiratory cycles
Separation between the LES and crural diaphragm (LES-CD). The EGJ pressure profile on a spatial pressure variation plot at peak inspiration can be a single or double peak. If a single peak, the LES-CD separation is 0; if a double peak, LES-CD separation is the axial distance between peaks.