ABSTRACT
Winkelstein coined the term "peptic esophagitis," recognizing that reflux of acid gastric contents was responsible. Bernstein and Baker developed the acid perfusion test. Tuttle, Bettavello, and Grossman showed that heartburn coincided with a fall in pH below 4.0 and used a probe to diagnose reflux. Miller described continuous pH monitoring for 12 to 24 hours. Hill, Morgan, and Kellog described pH measurement at the gastroesophageal junction. Spencer reported on prolonged pH monitoring in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Patrick and Woodward continued the use of pH monitoring in symptomatic patients. Johnson and DeMeester reported the clinical use and quantitation of 24-hour pH monitoring. Small portable recorders were developed.
