Achalasia - timed barium esophagogram

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Dysphagia.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male

Dilatation and stasis in esophagus with acute tapering at the lower esophageal sphincter and narrowing at the gastro-esophageal junction with characteristic appearances of bird beak sign or rat-tail sign. On timed barium esophagogram, contrast stasis is persistent with a dilated esophagus after 5 minutes.

Case Discussion

Features are consistent with achalasiawhich is a failure of organized esophageal peristalsis causing impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, and resulting in food stasis and often marked dilatation of the esophagus.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.