Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Achalasia other imaging findings
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is complementary to manometry in diagnosing achalasia. It is indicated primarily to rule out any mechanical obstruction or pseudoachalasia (neoplastic iniltration).
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- 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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References
References
- ↑ 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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]