Presentation
Long-standing symptoms of dysphagia and heartburn.
Patient Data
Gas-filled distension of the esophagus in the posterior mediastinum (arrows) associated with a hiatus hernia.
Dilated, patulous esophagus throughout its length with poor contractility/peristalsis and a sliding hiatus hernia. No stricture such as achalasia.
Case Discussion
Presbyoesophagus is a controversial diagnosis and is probably not just due to old age but associated with chronic reflux and hiatus hernia (that is more commonly seen in the elderly). It is characterized by a dilated esophagus showing poor contractility or tertiary contractions but no stricture. It is a cause of dysphagia in the elderly.