Hypercontracting (nutcracker) oesophagus

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 15 Dec 2021

Hypercontracting (nutcracker) oesophagus is a motility disorder of the oesophagus. This condition is primarily diagnosed with manometry with high intra-oesophageal pressure and normal peristalsis. Most patients will have a normal barium swallow

Hypercontracting oesophagus ("nutcracker oesophagus") differs from diffuse oesophageal spasm (corkscrew oesophagus). 

Hypercontracting oesophagus occurs in 10% of patients with non-cardiac chest pain. 

Presentation includes chest pain, dysphagia, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Aetiology is unknown but may be related to gastro-oesophageal reflux or stress 2.  

A barium swallow is usually normal. A minority of patients may demonstrate features of non-specific oesophageal motility disorder 1,2.  

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.