Comorbid disorders of esophagus in patients with irritable bowel disease

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) ,Gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional ooesophageal disorders may overlap and share the same pathophysiologic mechanisms. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess the incidence of variant esophageal disorders that can overlap IBS using different diagnostic modalities. Patients and methods: In this study, 100 IBS patients with esophageal symptoms were examined in the Department of Gastroenterology. All underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ECG, barium swallow, abdominal ultrasound, esophageal motility studies, and 24-hour PH monitoring. Diagnosis of IBS and evaluation of esophageal symptoms was established according to Rome IV criteria. Results: 27% of cases were diagnosed as ERD (Erosive Reflux Disease) depending on the presence of reflux esophagitis in upper endoscopy, 24% of cases were diagnosed as NERD (Non-Erosive Reflux Disease) depending on the absence of esophagitis in upper endoscopy and presence of acid reflux in 24-hour pH monitoring. While in 49% of cases, upper endoscopy and 24-hour pH-monitoring were normal, they were diagnosed as Functional Esophageal Disorders (FED).In our study, FED was the most prevalent among different IBS subtypes. Female gender was most predominant in different IBS subtypes except IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation). FED was prevalent at a younger age than NERD and ERD. However, NERD and ERD were prevalent at higher BMI (Body Mass Index) than FED. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of overlap between IBS and variant esophageal disorders i.e. ERD, NERD, and FED as they share many pathophysiological mechanisms.

Keywords

• irritable bowel syndrome esophageal reflux
• functional esophageal disorders