Korean J Gastroenterol.  1999 Feb;33(2):276-281.

A Case of Esophageal Carcinoma Following Esophagomyotomy for Achalasia

• Lee CH
• Park HJ
• Song JW
• Lee SI
• Park IS

Abstract

Achalasia is characterized manometrically by the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and incomplete relaxation of a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) on swallowing. Achalasia is believed to be a predisposing factor for the development of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer has been reported as a late complication in 2.0 ~8.6% of patients with achalasia. The carcinoma is thought to develop as a consequence of chronic irritation due to stasis of ingested material. We experienced a case of esophageal carcinoma in a 74-year-old man, who had diagnosed as achalasia thirteen years ago and undergone a modified Heller' s esophagomyotomy. Esophagogram, esophageal manometry, esophagoscopy with biopsy and chest computerized tomography scanning could reveal achalasia and esophageal carcinoma.

Keyword

Achalasia; Esophageal carcinoma; Esophagomyotomy

MeSH Terms

Aged
Biopsy
Causality
Deglutition
Esophageal Achalasia*
Esophageal Neoplasms
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagoscopy
Humans
Manometry
Peristalsis
Relaxation
Thorax