Achalasia - timed barium esophagogram

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Dysphagia.

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Male
Fluoroscopy

Significant dilatation and stasis of contrast material in the oesophagal lumen, along with tapering in the lower esophageal sphincter area resembling a bird beak sign and in favor of achalasia.

In the serial images performed in 1, 3 and 5 minutes, the dilation of the oesophagal lumen and stasis of the contrast material do not show significant changes.

Case Discussion

The timed barium esophagogram (TBO) is a physiologic and objective method for assessing the esophageal emptying used in patients with suspected achalasia. The barium column height and width are measured on images taken to determine the esophageal emptying.

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