Oesophageal Motility Disorder Flashcards
what is achalasia?
motility disorder which causes peristalsis and impaired relaxation of LOS
cause of achalasia?
damage to the myenteric plexus in the oesophagus
symptoms of achalasia?
- choking and coughing fits
- bringing back undigested food
- heartburn
- chest pain
- repeated chest infections
- drooling of vomit or saliva
- gradual but significant weight loss
investigations achalasia?
- Ba swallow
- endoscopy
- manometry
- nuclear studies
what is manometry?
pressure sensor passed through nose into oesophagus
management of achalasia?
- endoscopic balloon dilation
- Heller’s cardiomyotomy (surgery)
- PPIs
- CCB/ nitratres to relax LOS
complications of achalasia?
-squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus
what is diffuse oesophageal spasm?
-uncoordinated contractions of the oesophagus
how does diffuse oesophageal spasm present?
-intermittent dysphagia with o r without chest pain
investigations for diffuse oesophageal spasm?
- endoscopy
- Ba swallow
- manometry
- nuclear studies
what will be seen on a Ba swallow of someone with diffuse oesophageal spasm?
-abnormal contractions, corkscrew oesophagus
what will be seen on a Ba swallow of someone with achalasia?
-dilated, tapering oesophagus
