achalasia

• increased LES pressure, absent peristalsis
• idiopathic, no histological abnormality
  • seen in Chagas disease

• F > M, 20-40 y/o

• megaesophagus, "bird-beak" at LES on esophagram
• Rx: dilatation, myotomy, ? drugs (calcium-channel blockers)
• 2-7% incidence of Ca

see also: pseudoachalasia, esophageal dysmotility

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18