Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2006 Dec;12(2):177-180.

A Case of Achalasia Treated by Two Sessions of Balloon Dilatation: the Long Term Follow-up

• Han SR
• Park MI
• Moon W
• Park SJ
• Kim GJ
• Jung GS
• Kim NH
• Kim SH
• Nam JH
• Park JE
• Kim KM

Abstract

Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus that's characterized by the loss of inhibitory neurons in the lower esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter. The primary motility disorders of the esophagus are usually considered to include two disease entities: achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm. These two conditions are part of a spectrum of related motor disorders. Achalasia can change to diffuse esophageal spasm and show the return of peristalsis after balloon dilatation. We experienced a 64-year-old female patient who complained of dysphagia. Achalasia was diagnosed by performing barium esophagography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and by the typical esophageal manometric findings. After performing two sessions of balloon dilatation, the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased and peristalsis of lower esophagus returned. When the patient again complained of dysphagia, the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure was increased and peristalsis was not seen. Consequently, we could observe the spectrum and natural course of this disease before and after treatment for achalasia.

Keyword

Achalasia; Balloon dilatation; Peristalsis; Sphincter

MeSH Terms

Barium
Deglutition Disorders
Dilatation*
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Esophageal Achalasia*
Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagus
Female
Follow-Up Studies*
Humans
Middle Aged
Neurons
Peristalsis
Barium