Diffuse oesophageal spasm masking achalasia

Int Surg. 2004 Jan-Mar;89(1):32-4.

Abstract

Several reports have suggested that esophageal motility disorders may progress from one type to another. A 41-year-old female patient underwent thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for diffuse esophageal spasm (DOS) with normal resting pressure and complete relaxation of the LOS; findings were confirmed in two preoperative esophageal manometries. Postoperatively, she developed severe dysphagia, and a new esophageal manometry concluded achalasia. She underwent a laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and a posterior (180 degrees) Toupet's fundoplication. Since the second operation, she remains asymptomatic and does not experience any difficulty in swallowing. We concluded that DOS and achalasia might coexist in this case. Through multiple synapses and several nervous roots in the esophageal wall, the inhibitory neurons at the level of LOS were effective before esophagomyotomy and did not show symptoms and manometric findings suggestive for achalasia. Esophagomyotomy, causing disruption of these synapses and lost of inhibitory innervation, finally resulted in symptoms and manometric findings of achalasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Achalasia / epidemiology
  • Esophageal Achalasia / surgery
  • Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy*
  • Humans
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / therapeutic use
  • Manometry

Substances

  • Isosorbide Dinitrate