Achalasia Flashcards
What is it?
Characterized by oesophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of the LOS
Who gets it?
Adults 25-60
How does it present?
Long history of intermittent dysphagia
Dysphagia for solids & liquids
Regurgitation of food particularly at night
Spontaneous chest pain oesophageal spasm
How is it diagnosed?
Chest X-ray: dilated oesophagus
Ba swallow: Lack of peristalsis
Oesophagoscopy: excludes carcinoma in Lower Oes
CT scan: excludes distal oesophageal cancer
Manometry: Shows aperistalsis of the oesophagus and failure of relaxation of LOS
How is it treated?
-Nitrates
-Lifelong PPI usage
Surgical:
-Botox injections
-Endoscopic balloon dilation
- Hellers cardiomyotomy- division of LOS
Possible complications of achalasia?
Aspiration pneumonia
Slight increase in the incidence of squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus in both treated and untreated cases
