Achalasia
Diagnosis almost certain
Updates to Case Attributes
Body
was changed:
Achalasia is an oesophageal motility disorder due to a failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This occurs due to an abnormality within the Auerbach's plexus - be it primary or secondary.
Barium swallow demonstrates:
- beaked tapering of the oesophagus at the gastro-oesophageal junction
- a grossly dilated oesophagus
- tertiary contractions
- air-fluid level on the control/plain film
Key Points:
- achalasia is associated with an increased risk of oesophageal malignancy
- beware of pseudoachalasia due to the destruction of the plexus by a tumour such as linitis plastica
- the radiologist has a role in treatment by balloon dilatation
Image courtesy of Dr Ian Bickle
-<p><a href="/articles/achalasia">Achalasia</a> is an oesophageal motility disorder due to a failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This occurs due to an abnormality within the Auerbach's plexus - be it primary or secondary.</p><p>Barium swallow demonstrates:</p><ol>- +<p><a href="/articles/achalasia">Achalasia</a> is an oesophageal motility disorder due to a failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This occurs due to an abnormality within the Auerbach plexus - be it primary or secondary.</p><p>Barium swallow demonstrates:</p><ol>
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