200. What definition of diffuse esophageal spasm is to be observed ?
G. Vantrappen (Leuven)

201. How is their idiopathic nature to be confirmed ?
A.C. Duranceau, C. Deschamps, E. Lafontaine (Montreal)

202. The numerous causes which may give rise to DES call for caution in the diagnosis of an idiopathic disorder
H.J. Stein, T.R. DeMeester, R.R. Klingman (Omaha)

203. Does the absence of neural abnormalities in DES allow to exclude a neurogenic origin ?
K. Geboes, N. Ectors, J. Mebis (Leuven), I. El-Dosoky (Mansoura)

204. What are the histologic features of diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) ?
H.D. Appelman (Ann Arbor)

205. Is hyperplasia, not hypertrophy, responsible for the thickened esophagus ?
N. Ectors, K. Geboes, V. Desmet (Leuven)

206. How to interpret giant muscular hypertrophy of the esophagus ?
W. Hohenberger, H. Ernst, P. Koerfgen (Erlangen-Nürnberg)

207. What are the different clinical features of diffuse esophageal spasm ?
R.E. Clouse (Washington)

208. Pain, often pseudoanginal, may be the only symptom
H.J. Stein, T.R. DeMeester (Omaha)

209. What is the cause of the exacerbations in the course of this disorder ?
J-Y. Touchais, Ph. Ducrotte, Ph. Denis (Rouen)

210. Can diffuse esophageal spasm be asymptomatic ?
G. Cargill( Paris)

211. Are there specific radiographic features of diffuse esophageal spasm ?
A.G. Little, P.O. Bandt (Las Vegas)

212. How valuable is cineradiography with examination by solid and liquid contrast ?
L. Engelholm, J. De Toeuf, J. Jeanmart (Brussels)

213. Does the position of the patient (upright or prone) affect the outcome of the radiological examination ?
E. Lafontaine, A.C. Duranceau, C. Deschamps (Montreal)

214. What is the role of scintigraphy ?
L.D. Hill(Seattle)

215. Is thickening of the esophageal wall a significant finding ?
N. Ectors, K. Geboes, V. Desmet (Leuven)

216. What is the incidence of associated hiatus hernia or gastroesophageal reflux ?
A. G. Little (Las Vegas)

217. Are there any studies of DES by 24-hour pH measurement ?
J. Janssens, G. Vantrappen (Leuven)

218. What is the prevalence of presenting symptoms in relation to individual manometric abnormalities ?
R.E. Clouse (Washington)

219. Is there a reliable correlation between the radiologic and manometric findings for diagnosing diffuse esophageal spasm ?
M. Levesque, O. Arcangioli, E De Broucker, R Legmann (Paris)

220. Do recording systems permit correct measurement of the true amplitude of the esophageal waves ?
G. Cargill (Paris)

221. What are the indisputable manometric criteria for making the diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm ?
D. Couturier (Paris)

222. What is the incidence of intermittent occurrence of simultaneous contractions ?
G. Cargill (Paris)

223. What is the extent of esophageal body involvement in diffuse esophageal spasm ?
H.J. Stein, T.R. DeMeester, R.R. Klingman (Omaha)

224. Is the LES always normal in diffuse esophageal spasm ?
E. Tiomny, P. Rozen (Tel Aviv)

225. Is it always easy to differentiate between DES and achalasia ?
J-Y. Touchais, Ph. Ducrotte, Ph. Denis (Rouen)

226. What is the incidence of disorders of relaxation ?
M.D. Kaye (Honolulu)

227. Is the distinction between DES and achalasia not sometimes arbitrary ?
H.J. Stein, T.R. DeMeester (Omaha)

228. What is the relationship between diffuse esophageal spasm with LES abnormalities and vigorous achalasia?
J. Salducci (Marseilles)

229. Is the failure of the LES to relax, or the presence of secondary peristaltic waves, indicative of a poor prognosis after surgery ?
H.J. Stein. T.R. DeMeester (Omaha)

230. How to interpret the findings of low motor amplitude in DES and achalasia ?
J. Janssens, G. Vantrappen (Leuven)

231. How to avoid overlap between disordered motor activity and secondary reflux damage ?
J. M. Suduca, M. Delvaux J. Frexinos (Toulouse)

232. What is the role of endoscopy in the investigation of DES ?
H. W. Boyce (Tampa)