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Negrão C, Sismeiro R, Monteiro M, Pereira FG, Jonet M. When a Late Metastasis Is Hard to Swallow. Cureus 2021; 13:e20441. [PMID: 35047278 PMCID: PMC8760004 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia is an uncommon disorder characterised by aperistalsis in the tubular oesophagus and impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). It presents with symptoms and radiologic, endoscopic and manometric findings that mimic idiopathic achalasia. There is a huge spectrum of underlying causes for pseudoachalasia, although malignancy is the most common aetiology. We report the case of a 70-year-old Portuguese female with a history of breast cancer, submitted to tumourectomy, radiotherapy and hormonotherapy, in complete remission for 16 years, who presented in the emergency department with a two-month history of dysphagia, weight loss, heartburn and nausea. Blood work, body computed tomography (CT) scan, mammography, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and skeletal scintigraphy did not show any alterations, but barium swallow scan and oesophageal manometry suggested achalasia. She was submitted to oesophageal dilatation with partial symptomatic improvement. Six months later, new onset of dysphonia and worsening of initial symptoms was noticed. A new CT scan revealed unilateral pleural effusion, large mediastinal adenopathy and multiple pulmonary nodules highly suggestive of a metastatic malignancy. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) from mediastinal adenopathies confirmed the tumoural invasion by a carcinoma, and immunohistochemistry suggested a breast origin. She underwent a nasoendoscopy that revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. After chemotherapy was started, symptoms of achalasia completely resolved, and tumour markers, which were increased, have normalised. The presented case highlights a pseudoachalasia as the first manifestation of a late breast metastasis. It is essential to always have in mind patients’ past history as a key that can help resolve clinical doubts.
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Tustumi F, de Sousa JHB, Dornelas NM, Rosa GM, Steinman M, Bianchi ET. The Mechanisms for the Association of Cancer and Esophageal Dysmotility Disorders. Med Sci (Basel) 2021; 9:32. [PMID: 34064058 PMCID: PMC8163009 DOI: 10.3390/medsci9020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achalasia and other esophageal dysmotility disorders mimicking achalasia can be associated with cancer. This study aimed to review the main mechanisms for which cancer may develop in esophageal dysmotility disorder patients. METHODS A narrative review was performed. RESULTS The mechanism for developing squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are discussed. Besides, achalasia-like syndromes related to familial KIT-gene mutation and pseudoachalasia are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the main mechanism for which achalasia can be related to cancer is essential for clinicians to conduct the proper investigation, surveillance, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Tustumi
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo 05652-900, Brazil; (J.H.B.d.S.); (N.M.D.); (G.M.R.); (M.S.); (E.T.B.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Nicolas Medeiros Dornelas
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo 05652-900, Brazil; (J.H.B.d.S.); (N.M.D.); (G.M.R.); (M.S.); (E.T.B.)
| | - Guilherme Maganha Rosa
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo 05652-900, Brazil; (J.H.B.d.S.); (N.M.D.); (G.M.R.); (M.S.); (E.T.B.)
| | - Milton Steinman
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo 05652-900, Brazil; (J.H.B.d.S.); (N.M.D.); (G.M.R.); (M.S.); (E.T.B.)
| | - Edno Tales Bianchi
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo 05652-900, Brazil; (J.H.B.d.S.); (N.M.D.); (G.M.R.); (M.S.); (E.T.B.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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Schizas D, Theochari NA, Katsaros I, Mylonas KS, Triantafyllou T, Michalinos A, Kamberoglou D, Tsekrekos A, Rouvelas I. Pseudoachalasia: a systematic review of the literature. Esophagus 2020; 17:216-222. [PMID: 31989338 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-020-00720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia, also known as secondary achalasia, is a clinical condition mimicking idiopathic achalasia but most commonly caused by malignant tumors of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Our aim was to systematically review and present all available data on demographics, clinical features, and diagnostic modalities involved in patients with pseudoachalasia. A systematic search of literature published during the period 1978-2019 was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (end-of-search date: June 25th, 2019). Two independent reviewers extracted data with regards of study design, interventions, participants, and outcomes. Thirty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, 140 patients with pseudoachalasia were identified, of whom 83 were males. Mean patient age was 60.13 years and the mean weight loss was 13.91 kg. A total of 33 (23.6%) patients were wrongly 'treated' at first for achalasia. The most common presenting symptoms were dysphagia, food regurgitation, and weight loss. The median time from symptoms' onset to hospital admission was 5 months. Most common etiology was gastric cancer (19%). Diagnostic modalities included manometry, barium esophagram, endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Pseudoachalasia is a serious medical condition that is difficult to be distinguished from primary achalasia. Clinical feature assessment along with the correct interpretation of diagnostic tests is nowadays essential steps to differentiate pseudoachalasia from idiopathic achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, 29 Parnithos, 16344, Ilioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoletta A Theochari
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, 29 Parnithos, 16344, Ilioupolis, Athens, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Katsaros
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, 29 Parnithos, 16344, Ilioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos S Mylonas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, 29 Parnithos, 16344, Ilioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Tania Triantafyllou
- First Propedeutic Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Kamberoglou
- Department of Gastroenterology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrianos Tsekrekos
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Rouvelas
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Haberstroh W, Shafa S. Pseudoachalasia secondary to metastatic bladder cancer. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2019; 6:e000284. [PMID: 31354958 PMCID: PMC6626471 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2019-000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia, or secondary achalasia, is a clinical condition that must be distinguished from primary achalasia. Both diagnoses may present similarly, but the aetiology and management for each are drastically different. Most significantly, pseudoachalasia carries a high association with malignancy, most often with primary adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or cardia. Our case involves a patient with signs and symptoms consistent with pseudoachalasia due to metastatic bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shervin Shafa
- Gastroenterology Department, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Burkitt's Lymphoma of the Gastrohepatic Omentum: A Malignant Presentation of Pseudoachalasia. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2019; 2019:1803036. [PMID: 30733877 PMCID: PMC6348844 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1803036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Achalasia is an intrinsic disorder of the esophagus that results from loss of ganglion cells in the lower esophageal sphincter. Clinically it is manifested by dysphagia to solids and liquids, weight loss, regurgitation, and chest pain. Pseudoachalasia, in contrast, is a rare entity that causes identical symptoms, but has a divergent underlying pathogenesis. The symptomology in these cases oftentimes occurs secondary to extrinsic compression of the esophagus, mostly attributable to malignancy. Although many cases of extrinsic esophageal compression have been reported in the literature, rarely has this occurred secondary to Burkitt's lymphoma in an adult. Here, we present a case of Burkitt's lymphoma resulting in pseudoachalasia in a 70-year-old female. The concurrence of these two entities in one patient makes this case presentation especially rare.
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Kakisaka K, Endo K, Sugimoto R, Ishida K, Sugai T, Takikawa Y. Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Esophageal Achalasia: Unrecognized Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Invading Multiple Organs. Intern Med 2018; 57:2197-2201. [PMID: 29526953 PMCID: PMC6120825 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0448-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second-most common primary liver cancer, although its occurrence is relatively rare. Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by outflow obstruction from the liver, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common cause of malignant BCS. In this case report, we describe the occurrence of an unrecognized ICC that induced BCS and esophageal achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kakisaka
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kei Endo
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ryo Sugimoto
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Ishida
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takikawa
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Beqari J, Lembo A, Critchlow J, Hamden A, Kent MS. Pseudoachalasia Secondary to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. Ann Thorac Surg 2017; 103:e517-e518. [PMID: 28528055 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2016.11.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia is known to be associated with malignancy involving the gastroesophageal junction and after esophageal operations. We present a case of pseudoachalasia secondary to an aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta and describe successful operative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorind Beqari
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Anthony Lembo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jon Critchlow
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Allen Hamden
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael S Kent
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Esophagus: Radiologic Evaluation of Esophageal Function. Dysphagia 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/174_2017_135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kim HM, Chu JM, Kim WH, Hong SP, Hahm KB, Ko KH. Extragastroesophageal Malignancy-Associated Secondary Achalasia: A Rare Association of Pancreatic Cancer Rendering Alarm Manifestation. Clin Endosc 2015; 48:328-31. [PMID: 26240808 PMCID: PMC4522426 DOI: 10.5946/ce.2015.48.4.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia is a rare esophageal motor abnormality, which mimics primary achalasia; it is not easily distinguishable from idiopathic achalasia by manometry, radiological examination, or endoscopy. Although the majority of reported pseudoachalasia cases are associated with neoplasms at or near the esophagogastric (EG) junction, other neoplastic processes or even chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to the development of pseudoachalasia, for example, mediastinal masses, gastrointestinal (GI) tumors of the liver and biliary tract, and non-GI malignancies. Therefore, even if a patient presents with the typical findings of achalasia, we should be alert to the possibility of other GI malignancies besides EG tumors. For instance, pancreatic cancer was found in the case reported here; only four such cases have been reported in the literature. A 47-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 3-month history of dysphagia. His endoscopic and esophageal manometric findings were compatible with primary achalasia. However, unresponsiveness to diverse conventional achalasia treatments led us to suspect secondary achalasia. An active search led to a diagnosis of pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma invading the gastric fundus and EG junction. This rare case of pseudoachalasia caused by pancreatic carcinoma emphasizes the need for suspecting GI malignancies other than EG tumors in patients refractory to conventional achalasia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji Min Chu
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Won Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sung Pyo Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ki Baik Hahm
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kwang Hyun Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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Lahbabi M, Ihssane M, Sidi Adil I, Dafr Allah B. Pseudoachalasia secondary to metastatic breast carcinoma mimicking radiation stenosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2012; 36:e117-21. [PMID: 22766147 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We reported on a rare case of pseudoachalasia secondary to metastatic breast carcinoma mimicking radiation stenosis. A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our department complaining of progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids. Her medical history revealed a surgery for left breast tumour, which had been performed 11 years, previously, with adjuvant treatment based on hormonal therapy and radiotherapy. The presenting symptoms had started 1 year before her admission, with progressive paradoxical medio chest dysphagia. The patient had lost 7 kg in weight without prominent anorexia. The endoscopic, radiological, histological and manometric appearance was in favor pseudoachalasia associated with stenosis of the esophagus. The esophageal mucosa covering the lumen of the stricture after the dilation was smooth and neoplasm was not detected by another repeated biopsy. We could not obtain the diagnosis for the stricture. The most likely diagnosis was a pseudoachalasia associated with esophagus stenosis complicating probably radiotherapy. The patient had received four pneumatic dilatations with several normal biopsies. At the last one (4 months later), pathological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma. The final diagnosis was pseudoachalasia secondary to metastatic breast carcinoma mimicking radiation stenosis. Treatment was based mainly on tamoxifen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Lahbabi
- Department of hepato-gastroenterology, Hassan II university hospital Fes, Fes, Morocco.
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Katzka DA, Farrugia G, Arora AS. Achalasia secondary to neoplasia: a disease with a changing differential diagnosis. Dis Esophagus 2012; 25:331-6. [PMID: 21967574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2011.01266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Achalasia secondary to neoplasia is an uncommon entity, but recognition is paramount given the concern of missing a cancer diagnosis. Most case series of secondary achalasia occurred in prior decades raising the question of whether the underlying neoplastic causes have changed. All cases of achalasia secondary to neoplasia were reviewed at the Mayo Clinic from 2000 to the present. Cases were assessed for underlying cause of achalasia, whether achalasia was the primary presentation and demographic and clinical factors. Seventeen patients with achalasia secondary to neoplasia were identified. This was 1.5% of all patients with achalasia seen. The most common causes were adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, followed by breast and non-small cell lung cancer. No cases of gastric cancer were identified. Most patients had weight loss and rapid onset of symptoms but could not clearly be distinguished from primary achalasia. Nine patients presented with achalasia, whereas eight patients had known neoplasia. Five of these patients had a positive paraneoplastic panel suggestive of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Prognosis was generally poor except for patients with esophageal leiomyomatosis. This case series demonstrates a changing differential diagnosis for achalasia secondary to neoplasia with a higher number of patients presenting with a known primary and with a paraneoplastic syndrome. Awareness of secondary achalasia and its differentiation from primary causes is still essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Katzka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Radiologic Evaluation of Esophageal Function. Dysphagia 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/174_2011_345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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