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Achalasia

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dysphagia.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
Barium

Dilatation and stasis in oesophagus with acute tapering at the lower oesophageal sphincter and narrowing at the gastro-oesophageal junction with characteristic appearances of bird beak sign or  rat-tail sign.

Case Discussion

Features are consistent with achalasia which is a failure of organised oesophageal peristalsis causing impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, and resulting in food stasis and often marked dilatation of the oesophagus.

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