Achalasia: Pathophysiology and diagnostic evaluation

Benedetto Mungo, Daniela Molena

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Achalasia is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by a manometric pattern showing loss of peristalsis of the distal esophagus, failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to completely relax with deglutition, and elevated baseline intraluminal esophageal pressure. Even though achalasia is a relatively rare disease, it represents the most common primary esophageal motility disorder and the second functional esophageal disorder most likely to necessitate surgical intervention after gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal achalasia is an idiopathic disease resulting in damage of the Auerbach myenteric plexus. Over the last decade, the use of high resolution manometry, has allowed for a deeper understanding of this disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEsophageal Diseases: Evaluation and Treatment
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages133-142
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9783319043371, 9783319043364
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014

Keywords

  • Achalasia
  • Ambulatory pH monitoring
  • Barium swallow
  • Dysphagia
  • Endoscopy
  • Esophageal manometry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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