Achalasia overview
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Achalasia Microchapters |
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Achalasia overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology.[1][2]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 due to absent enteric neurons.[3] It should be differentiated from pseudoachalasia (caused by neoplastic infiltration of myenteric neurons) and secondary achalasia (caused by extrinsic procedures such as previous fundoplication and gastric banding). Trypanosoma cruzi infection causing Chagas disease can also result in achalasia.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vaezi MF, Pandolfino JE, Vela MF (2013). "ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis and management of achalasia". Am J Gastroenterol. 108 (8): 1238–49, quiz 1250. doi:10.1038/ajg.2013.196. PMID 23877351.
- ↑ Kraichely R, Farrugia G (2006). "Achalasia: physiology and etiopathogenesis". Dis Esophagus. 19 (4): 213–23. PMID 16866850.
- ↑ Park W, Vaezi M (2005). "Etiology and pathogenesis of achalasia: the current understanding". Am J Gastroenterol. 100 (6): 1404–14. PMID 15929777.