Corkscrew esophagus

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dysphagia and odynophagia.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
Barium

Barium passes through the pharynx and upper esophagus without stasis.

Uncoordinated peristalsis with simultaneous contraction is observed in the lower half esophagus, inferring a corkscrew sign and suggesting a distal oesophagal spasm (DOS).

A small-sized hiatal hernia is also observed.

Case Discussion

Diffuse/distal esophageal spasm (DOS) is a motility disorder of the esophagus. On barium swallow, DOS may appear as a corkscrew or rosary bead esophagus.

Manometry is the gold-standard diagnostic test. 

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