Propagation Characteristics of Fasting Duodeno-jejunal Contractions in Healthy Controls Measured by Clustered Closely-spaced Manometric Sensors

Background/Aims High-resolution methods have advanced esophageal and anorectal manometry interpretation but are incompletely established for intestinal manometry. We characterized normal fasting duodeno-jejunal manometry parameters not measurable by standard techniques using clustered closely-spaced recordings. Methods Ten fasting recordings were performed in 8 healthy controls using catheters with 3-4 gastrointestinal manometry clusters with 1-2 cm channel spacing. Migrating motor complex phase III characteristics were quantified. Spatial-temporal contour plots measured propagation direction and velocity of individual contractions. Coupling was defined by pressure peak continuity within clusters. Results Twenty-three phase III complexes (11 antral, 12 intestinal origin) with 157 (95% CI, 104-211) minute periodicities, 6.99 (6.25-7.74) minute durations, 10.92 (10.68-11.16) cycle/minute frequencies, 73.6 (67.7-79.5) mmHg maximal amplitudes, and 4.20 (3.18-5.22) cm/minute propagation velocities were recorded. Coupling of individual contractions was 39.1% (32.1-46.1); 63.0% (54.4-71.6) of contractions were antegrade and 32.8% (24.1-41.5) were retrograde. Individual phase III contractions propagated > 35 fold faster (2.48 cm/sec; 95% CI, 2.25-2.71) than complexes themselves. Phase III complexes beyond the proximal jejunum were longer in duration (P = 0.025) and had poorer contractile coupling (P = 0.025) than proximal complexes. Coupling was greater with 1 cm channel spacing vs 2 cm (P < 0.001). Conclusions Intestinal manometry using clustered closely-spaced pressure ports characterizes novel antegrade and retrograde propagation and coupling properties which degrade in more distal jejunal segments. Coupling is greater with more closely-spaced recordings. Applying similar methods to dysmotility syndromes will define the relevance of these methods.