[Thoracic pain and esophageal motility disorders].

These last years the clinical relevance of oesophageal disorders in the problem of chest pain has been more accurately defined. After exclusion of cardiac diseases with appropriate tests and of organic lesions of the oesophagus with upper endoscopy, the physician should look for: a gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with a 24-hour pH-metry, if possible coupled with a 24-hour oesophageal manometry. An oesophageal motor disorder, for example a diffuse spasm, with manometry with a provocation test. Confronted with disturbing chest pain, the capacity to determine their oesophageal origin represents not only a diagnostic but also a therapeutic help.