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Patient case: Achalasia

Discussion

A 42-year-old male presents with a history of difficulty swallowing, which has progressively worsened over the past year. He initially had trouble swallowing solids but now also experiences difficulty with liquids. He often complains of food sticking in his throat, leading to regurgitation of undigested food, especially at night. This has resulted in significant weight loss of about 10 kg over the last six months. He denies chest pain, but reports occasional heartburn and a sensation of fullness after eating even small meals. There is no history of smoking or alcohol abuse.

A barium swallow study showed a dilated esophagus with a characteristic "bird-beak" narrowing at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Manometry revealed decreased peristalsis in the esophagus and incomplete relaxation of the LES, confirming a diagnosis of achalasia.

The patient was informed of the condition and is considering options for treatment, including pneumatic dilation or surgical myotomy.

Questions
1. What is the primary symptom the patient in the case presents with?

a) Chest pain

b) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

c) Nausea

d) Diarrhea

2. Which diagnostic test confirmed the diagnosis of achalasia in the patient?

a) Endoscopy

b) Barium swallow

c) Esophageal manometry

d) CT scan

3. What characteristic finding was observed in the barium swallow study?

a) Stricture in the middle esophagus

b) "Bird-beak" narrowing at the lower esophageal sphincter

c) Diffuse esophageal spasm

d) Gastric ulceration

4. What are the potential treatment options being considered for the patient?

a) Proton pump inhibitors

b) Surgical myotomy or pneumatic dilation

c) Chemotherapy

d) Dietary modification

Reveal answers

Answers

1. b) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

2. c) Esophageal manometry

3. b) "Bird-beak" narrowing at the lower esophageal sphincter

4. b) Surgical myotomy or pneumatic dilation