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Mechanism of pyrosis

A clinical study

  • Published:
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Multiple measurements of gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility were performed in a group of 23 patients consisting of 5 normals, 7 patients with an organic pattern of pyrosis and 11 patients with a functional pattern of pyrosis. Reflux was demonstrated in none of the normals, in all 7 of the organic group, and in 7 of the 11 functional patients. Perfusion of various solutions produced pyrosis as readily in the functional patients (83%) as in the organic group (85%). Motility changes with the appearance of pyrosis was noted as frequently in the functional group (66%) as in the organic group (76%). It is concluded that pyrosis is produced in the functional patient by a mechanism similar to that in the organic group. Neither reflux and/or motility change could account for pyrosis in every instance. The differential diagnosis of pyrosis in the functional patient versus pyrosis associated with organic diseases cannot be made by current parameters of evaluation. This suggests that other factors not measured by present technics are also necessary for the ultimate production of this symptom.

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Author notes

  1. I. Rudolph MD

    Present address: Rancocas Valley Hospital, 08046, Willingboro, NJ

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Gastroenterology, Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 51 North 39th St, 19104, Philadelphia, Pa

    I. Rudolph MD, A. F. Herrera MD, G. N. Stein MD & J. L. A. Roth MD, PhD

Authors
  1. I. Rudolph MD
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  2. A. F. Herrera MD
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  3. G. N. Stein MD
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  4. J. L. A. Roth MD, PhD
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Additional information

Supported by a grant from Menley-James Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pa.

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Rudolph, I., Herrera, A.F., Stein, G.N. et al. Mechanism of pyrosis. Digest Dis Sci 16, 577–588 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239216

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239216

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