Achalasia overview

Revision as of 18:30, 5 September 2012 by Kalsang Dolma (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Achalasia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Achalasia from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

X Ray

CT

MRI

Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Achalasia overview On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Achalasia overview

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Achalasia overview

CDC on Achalasia overview

Achalasia overview in the news

Blogs on Achalasia overview

Directions to Hospitals Treating Achalasia

Risk calculators and risk factors for Achalasia overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder.[1] In this disorder, the smooth muscle layer of the esophagus has impaired peristalsis (muscular ability to move food down the esophagus), and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly in response to swallowing.[2] The most common form is primary achalasia, which has no known underlying cause. However, a small proportion occurs as a secondary result of other conditions, such as esophageal cancer or (in South America) Chagas disease.

References

  1. Kraichely R, Farrugia G (2006). "Achalasia: physiology and etiopathogenesis". Dis Esophagus. 19 (4): 213–23. PMID 16866850.
  2. Park W, Vaezi M (2005). "Etiology and pathogenesis of achalasia: the current understanding". Am J Gastroenterol. 100 (6): 1404–14. PMID 15929777.