Achalasia other imaging findings

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is complementary to manometry in diagnosing achalasia. It is indicated primarily to rule out any mechanical obstruction or pseudoachalasia (neoplastic iniltration).

• Most patients should get an EGD – primarily in order to rule out any mechanical obstruction and malignancy (esophageal and gastric).

  • Findings include a dilated esophagus with residual food fragments, normal mucosa and occasionally candidiasis (due to the prolonged stasis).
  • Factors associated with an increased risk of malignancy include symptoms less than 6 months, presentation after 60 years old, excessive weight loss and difficult passage of the endoscope through the gastroesophageal junction.

• In cases diagnosed with GERD, endoscopic findings of dilated esophagus, retained food in esophagus can help diagnose achalasia correctly.
• In cases undergoing endoscopy for dysphagia, esophageal biopsies are recommended to rule out eosinophilic esophagitis. However if the endoscopic picture is very clear for achalasia, biopsy is not recommended.^[1]

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