Food impaction due to nutcracker esophagus

Am J Med Sci. 2013 Jul;346(1):76-9. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e318293e46e.

Abstract

Nutcracker esophagus is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by the presence of hypertensive contraction waves. These waves can have very high amplitudes, but they maintain a peristaltic pattern and therefore, bolus passage is minimally affected. Esophageal food impactions are rare in nutcracker esophagus. Our patient was a previously asymptomatic man who presented with an esophageal meat impaction due to nutcracker esophagus in which high-resolution manometry played a key role in the diagnosis. Although a rare etiology, nutcracker esophagus can result in esophageal food impaction. High-resolution manometry plays a critical role in the diagnosis of specific motility disorders, even in the setting of minimal symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / complications*
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Food*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manometry / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed