Diabetic esophageal neuropathy and esophageal changes.

Autonomic neuropathy (AN) is more common than previously presumed. In this paper we focus on these changes in the esophagus, which are the most common but clinically the least symptomatic. We examined 36 non-obese subjects with previously diagnosed peripheral neuropathy with no or only mild subjective complaints. Cardiorespiratory tests revealed signs of AN in 93% of the cases. Cholinergic changes were found in 20 patients, 7 of whom also had adrenergic changes. Radiographic changes included: tertiary spasms in 16.7%, inert esophagus in 5.5%, and gastro-esophageal reflex in 5.5% of patients. Statistically significant differences in the passage rate (P < 0.01) and in the lumen of esophagus (P < 0.001) were also found. Mean values obtained in the control group were considered as baseline.