Nutcracker and jackhammer esophagus treatment: a three-case survey, including two novel cases of eosinophilic infiltration into the muscularis propria

Endoscopy. 2015 Sep;47(9):855-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1391985. Epub 2015 May 11.

Abstract

Nutcracker esophagus and jackhammer esophagus are largely unknown motility disorders, also sometimes called hypertensive and hypercontractile peristalsis, respectively. There is currently no standardized diagnostic or management plan for these diseases. Here, we report on three patients with jackhammer/nutcracker esophagus who were treated with either peroral endoscopic myotomy or a systemic steroid regimen, focusing particularly on two novel presentations of nutcracker and jackhammer esophagus involving eosinophilic infiltration into the muscularis propria, and their responses to both interventions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Eosinophilia / complications*
  • Eosinophilia / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia / therapy
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / complications
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / therapy*
  • Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / surgery
  • Esophageal Sphincter, Upper / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisone