Presentation
Grave difficulties swallowing both food and liquids.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Achalasia
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Dilated esophagus with smooth distal tapering giving the bird beak appearance quite characteristic of achalasia.
Case Discussion
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder due to a failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This occurs due to an abnormality within the Auerbach plexus - be it primary or secondary.
Barium swallow demonstrates:
- beaked tapering of the esophagus at the gastro-esophageal junction
- a grossly dilated esophagus
- tertiary contractions
- air-fluid level on the control/plain film
Key Points:
- achalasia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal malignancy
- beware of pseudoachalasia due to the destruction of the plexus by a tumor such as linitis plastica
- the radiologist has a role in treatment by balloon dilatation
Image courtesy of Dr Ian Bickle
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