Etiology
- Primary achalasia - degeneration of ganglion cells in myenteric plexus of esophagus -> failure of relaxation of LES/loss of peristalsis
- Secondary achalasia - diseases with similar motor abnormalities, e.g. Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi parasite), amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, etc.
- Patient population 25-60 y/o, M~F
- Insidious onset; dysphagia to solids and liquids
Types
| Type I (classic) |
No esophageal pressurization (distal pressure < 30 mmHg) |
| Type II (compressive) | Panesophageal pressurization > 30 mmHg |
| Type III (spastic) | Spastic contractions with rapidly propagated pressurization |
