Achalasia

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dysphagia for both solids and liquids for 6 months.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Dilatation of the esophagus with smooth distal narrowing and tapering (bird beak appearance), characteristic for achalasia. 

Normal mucosal pattern of the esophagus with no irregularities or ulceration.

No evidence of hiatus hernia.

Degenerative changes as endplate sclerosis and marginal osteophyte formation are seen along with the dorsal and upper lumbar vertebras.

Case Discussion

Barium swallow demonstrates dilatation of the esophagus with distal narrowing and tapering producing a bird beak appearance characteristic for esophageal achalasia.

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