Case report: Role of imaging in the diagnosis of Achalasia cardia

Abstract

Background: Achalasia of the cardia is a condition of oesophageal motility disorder that starts at the oesophago-gastric junction and may spraed upwards to involve portions of the mid-oesophagus. It is characterized by inability of the cardiac sphincter to relax fully in response to swallowing,hypertrophy and dilatation of the rest of the oesophagus, and absence or diminution of oesophageal peristalsis. It is commonly seen between the 2nd and 5th decades of life. The case is presented because of its rarity in our  environment and its classical presentation
Methods: We reviewed the case of a 36 year old man who presented to the clinic with a 4 year history of progressive chest pain, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, and weight loss.
Results: Plain radiography showed features that are suggestive of achalasia of the cardia and was confirmed on Barium swallow which showed grossly dilated mid and lower oesophagus with barium seen collected at the lower oesophagus with smooth narrowed tapering distally and absent peristaltic movement noted.computed tomographic  features were in keeping with achalasia cardia.

Keywords: Imaging, diagnosis, achalasia cardia