Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2007 Jun;13(1):72-75.

A Case of Achalasia with Reflux Esophagitis

• Sun DS
• Chang JH
• Nam KW
• Kwon JH
• Suh JP
• Park HS
• Paik CN
• Park JM
• Cho YK
• Lee IS
• Kim SW
• Choi MG
• Chung IS

Abstract

Achalasia is characterized by esophageal nonperistaltic contraction and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter with swallowing, as can be seen on esophageal manometry. Since the low esophageal sphincter in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is hypotensive or inappropriately relaxed, achalasia has been considered quite distinct from GERD. The food in the low esophagus of a patient with achalasia can ferment and cause inflammation. GERD should be differentiated from retention esophagitis. We recently experienced a 32-year-old male patient who complained of chest pain. He was previously diagnosed with a variant of angina pectoris, but his symptoms did not improve with calcium channel blocker or nitrate. He was diagnosed with reflux esophagitis on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring, and also with achalasia on the esophageal manometry. After esophageal balloon dilatation for treating the achalasia, his symptoms were much improved.

Keyword

Esophageal achalasia; Reflux esophagitis; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Variant angina pectoris

MeSH Terms

Adult
Angina Pectoris
Angina Pectoris, Variant
Calcium Channels
Chest Pain
Deglutition
Dilatation
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Esophageal Achalasia*
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagitis
Esophagitis, Peptic*
Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Humans
Inflammation
Male
Manometry
Relaxation
Calcium Channels