The diagnostic and therapeutic contribution of calcium channel inhibitors (nifedipine) in esophageal spasm.

The effect of nifedipine (10-20 mg) on esophageal motility was tested in 18 patients with clinical esophageal syndrome and radiologic aspect suggesting esophageal spasm. The drug was administered 20-30 min prior to the second radiologic examination. In 3 cases of achalasia the drug was administered in doses of 10 mg/day for 10 days before the second X-ray examination. Fiber esophagoscopy was performed in all the cases. The initial radiologic aspect was favourably influenced by nifedipine administration in 12 cases confirmed as esophageal spasm. The other 6 patients who did not benefit by the test were cases of organic diseases: 2 post caustic stenoses and 4 cases of eso-cardio-tuberal neoplasm. In the 3 cases of achalasia, treatment with nifedipine led to clinical improvement with relaxation of inferior esophageal contraction on radiologic examination. The study demonstrated the favourable contribution of calcium channel inhibitors to the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal motility disturbances.