Achalasia secondary to nongastrointestinal malignancies.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-1985

Abstract

Secondary or "pseudo" achalasia of the esophagus can mimic idiopathic achalasia radiographically and can be difficult to diagnose. Typically, it is due to invasive carcinoma involving the gastroesophageal junction, usually gastric adenocarcinoma. Occasionally, an achalasialike condition can be produced by tumors not involving the gastroesophageal junction. We report 2 cases, 1 of lung carcinoma and the other of hepatoma, in which the patients had radiographic and endoscopic changes compatible with achalasia. However, the onset of symptoms was abrupt and the patients were elderly; these are unusual features for primary achalasia. There have been several other reports of nongastrointestinal neoplasms producing a clinical and radiographic picture similar to achalasia. Although there are several theories as to the cause, our cases would support the concept that direct tumor involvement of the gastroesophageal junction is not necessary to produce significant esophageal dysmotility.

Volume

10

Issue

3

First Page

273

Last Page

276

ISSN

0364-2356

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

2993089

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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