Patient case: Achalasia
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.
a) Chest pain
b) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
c) Nausea
d) Diarrhea
a) Endoscopy
b) Barium swallow
c) Esophageal manometry
d) CT scan
a) Stricture in the middle esophagus
b) "Bird-beak" narrowing at the lower esophageal sphincter
c) Diffuse esophageal spasm
d) Gastric ulceration
a) Proton pump inhibitors
b) Surgical myotomy or pneumatic dilation
c) Chemotherapy
d) Dietary modification
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
