Presentation
One year history of progressive dysphagia to solids and recently for liquids with chest discomfort and weight loss. CT requested by treating physican to rule out malignancy.
Patient Data
The esophagus is grossly dilated with thin-walled, filled with fluid/food debris with bird beak sign at the gastro-esophageal junction.
No mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy seen.
Both lungs are clear (lung window not shown).
A mildly enlarged liver is noted (incidental finding).
Case Discussion
CT features of achalasia.
CT has little role in directly assessing patients with achalasia but is useful in the assessment of the esophageal wall to identify any focal thickening which may indicate malignancy.