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Zanini LYK, Herbella FAM, Velanovich V, Patti MG. Modern insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of pseudoachalasia. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2024; 409:65. [PMID: 38367052 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03259-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia is a clinical presentation undistinguishable from achalasia in terms of symptoms, manometric, and radiographic findings, but associated with different and identifiable underlying causes. METHODS A literature review was conducted on the PubMed database restricting results to the English language. Key terms used were "achalasia-like" with 63 results, "secondary achalasia" with 69 results, and "pseudoachalasia" with 141 results. References of the retrieved papers were also manually reviewed. RESULTS Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Pseudoachalasia is a rare disease. Most available evidence regarding this condition is based on case reports or small retrospective series. There are different causes but all culminating in outflow obstruction. Clinical presentation and image and functional tests overlap with primary achalasia or are inaccurate, thus the identification of secondary achalasia can be delayed. Inadequate diagnosis leads to futile therapies and could worsen prognosis, especially in neoplastic disease. Routine screening is not justifiable; good clinical judgment still remains the best tool. Therapy should be aimed at etiology. Even though Heller's myotomy brings the best results in non-malignant cases, good clinical judgment still remains the best tool as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Yuri Kasputis Zanini
- Department of Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Diogo de Faria 1087 Cj 301, São Paulo, 04037-003, Brazil
| | - Fernando A M Herbella
- Department of Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Diogo de Faria 1087 Cj 301, São Paulo, 04037-003, Brazil.
| | - Vic Velanovich
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Marco G Patti
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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2
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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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Gergely M, Mello MD, Rengarajan A, Gyawali CP. Duration of symptoms and manometric parameters offer clues to diagnosis of pseudoachalasia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13965. [PMID: 32779296 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudoachalasia manifests high-resolution manometry (HRM) findings of achalasia but results from a secondary process. We analyzed clinical and HRM characteristics of pseudoachalasia, including malignant and non-malignant subtypes. METHODS High-resolution manometry was retrospectively reviewed in patients with confirmed pseudoachalasia, and corroborated with endoscopic and radiographic studies. A control cohort of idiopathic achalasia patients was identified. Clinical characteristics, Eckardt score, and HRM metrics were extracted from institutional records. Grouped data and medians (interquartile range) were compared between pseudoachalasia and idiopathic achalasia, and between malignant and non-malignant pseudoachalasia, using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. KEY RESULTS Of 28 pseudoachalasia patients (62.2 ± 2.5 years, 60.7% female), 18 (64.3%) had malignancy, and 10 (35.7%) had non-malignant obstruction. Although Eckardt score did not differentiate pseudoachalasia from 58 achalasia patients (55.9 ± 2.5 years, 53.4% female), weight loss was greater (median 9.1 [5.0-18.5] vs 3.6 [0-9.1] kg, P < .02) with shorter duration of symptoms (median 12.9 [8.0-38.6] vs 36.0 [25.7-45.0] weeks, P < .001] in pseudoachalasia. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) metrics demonstrated lower mean IRP values and lower EGJ contractile integral in pseudoachalasia (P < .04 for each comparison with idiopathic achalasia). Type 1 pattern was more frequent in pseudoachalasia (39.3% vs 13.8%, P < .008). Pseudoachalasia demonstrated incomplete HRM patterns, with lower rates of lack of peristalsis (79.6%, vs 93.1% in achalasia, P < .05). Despite higher Eckardt scores in malignant vs non-malignant pseudoachalasia (median 8.0 [7.0-9.0] vs 6.0 [3.5-7.8], P < .03], no significant HRM differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Pseudoachalasia manifests with a shorter history, greater weight loss, and incomplete HRM achalasia patterns compared to achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maté Gergely
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael D Mello
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Arvind Rengarajan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - C Prakash Gyawali
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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4
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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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Campo SMA, Zullo A, Scandavini CM, Frezza B, Cerro P, Balducci G. Pseudoachalasia: A peculiar case report and review of the literature. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2013; 5:450-454. [PMID: 24044045 PMCID: PMC3773858 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i9.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia is a rare secondary achalasia, which accounts for only a small subgroup of patients. We describe a 77-year-old woman with recent onset of dysphagia and typical esophageal manometric findings of achalasia. Moreover, esophageal manometric findings of vascular compression at 36 cm from the nose were associated with dysphagia. An upper endoscopy showed the absence of lesions both in the esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction, whilst a 15-mm ulcer on the gastric angulus was detected. The gastric ulcer resulted in being a diffuse signet ring cell carcinoma at histology, suggesting pseudoachalasia. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed an irregular concentric thickening of the gastro-esophageal junction wall extending for 7 cm and a dilated ascending thoracic aorta with no presence of the inferior vena cava, with an enlarged azygos as the source of vascular compression of esophagus. Moreover, cardia involvement from diffuse signet ring cell carcinoma of the gastric angulus was also recognized as the cause of dysphagia. The cancer was not suitable for a surgical approach in an old patient with cardiovascular comorbidities and support therapy was started. In our ambulatory series, pseudoachalasia was eventually diagnosed in 4.7% of 234 consecutive patients with esophageal manometric finding suggestive of achalasia. We also reviewed cases in the literature and aimed to evaluate the reported causes of pseudoachalasia.
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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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Park JH, Park DI, Kim HJ, Cho YK, Sohn CI, Jeon WK, Kim BI. An unusual case of submucosal invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma mistaken as primary achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 16:194-8. [PMID: 20535351 PMCID: PMC2879845 DOI: 10.5056/jnm.2010.16.2.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary achalasia due to submucosal invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a very rare condition. Here, we report a case of secondary achalasia diagnosed after distal esophagectomy, initially mistaken as primary achalasia. A 51-year-old man presented with progressive dysphagia for 2 months and mild weight loss. A barium swallow study, endoscopy, and manometry showed typical findings of primary achalasia. Pneumatic dilatation was performed, but esophageal perforation occurred as a complication. During surgical repair, no abnormalities around distal esophagus were found, and intraoperative esophageal biopsy revealed only inflammatory cells. During the following 8 months, the patient suffered from dysphagia caused by recurrent esophageal obstruction several times although of repeated balloon dilatation and esophageal stent insertion. Finally, he received a distal esophagectomy. The postoperative pathology revealed SCC at the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ho Park
- Department of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Campo SMA, Lorenzetti R, de Matthaeis M, Hassan C, Zullo A, Cerro P, Morini S. Palliation with oesophageal metal stent of pseudoachalasia from gastric carcinoma at the cardia: a case report. DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY 2009; 2009:791627. [PMID: 19746178 PMCID: PMC2738867 DOI: 10.1155/2009/791627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We present an 82-year-old woman with a 3-month history of progressive dysphagia and a normal initial upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The diagnosis of pseudoachalasia was suspected by oesophageal manometric and barium swallow studies, and confirmed by biopsies revealing an intestinal type carcinoma of the stomach at a repeated endoscopy. In view of the history of heart disease, diabetes, and old age, this patient was treated by a partially covered Ultraflex self-expanding metal stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) placed into the oesophageal body with no direct complications and obtaining the relief from dysphagia. During the 11-month follow-up she was treated for an iron deficiency anaemia due to reflux oesophagitis with ulcerations in the oesophageal body and died from myocardial infarction. According to the localization of the cancer, the old age, and the presence of comorbidities, we should recommend the insertion of a partially covered self-expanding metal stent as a reasonable palliative treatment in selected subjects with pseudoachalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Lorenzetti
- Gastroenterology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina de Matthaeis
- Gastroenterology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Hassan
- Gastroenterology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Zullo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cerro
- Radiology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Morini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Via Morosini 30, 00153 Rome, Italy
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Chuah SK, Kuo CM, Wu KL, Changchien CS, Hu TH, Wang CC, Chiu YC, Chou YP, Hsu PI, Chiu KW, Kuo CH, Chiou SS, Lee CM. Pseudoachalasia in a patient after truncal vagotomy surgery successfully treated by subsequent pneumatic dilations. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:5087-90. [PMID: 16937515 PMCID: PMC4087422 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i31.5087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoachalasia is a difficult condition for the clinician to differentiate from idiopathic achalasia even by manometry, radiological studies or endoscopy. Its etiology is usually associated with tumors. In most cases, the diagnosis is made after surgical explorations. The proposed pathogenesis of the disease is considered as mechanical obstruction of the distal esophagus or infiltration of the malignancy that affects the inhibitory neurons of the meyenteric plexus in the majority of cases. Surgery has been reported as a cause of pseudoachalasia. We report a 70-year-old man who suffered from deglutination disorder caused by pseudo-achalasia after truncal vagotomy. The patient was symptom-free after a nine-year follow-up and complete recovery of esophageal motility status from pseudoachalasia after pneumatic dilations. We also reviewed the literature of pseudoachalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng-Kee Chuah
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, ROC 833, Taiwan, China
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Gockel I, Eckardt VF, Schmitt T, Junginger T. Pseudoachalasia: a case series and analysis of the literature. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005; 40:378-85. [PMID: 16028431 DOI: 10.1080/00365520510012118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pseudoachalasia frequently cannot be distinguished from idiopathic achalasia by manometry, radiologic examination or endoscopy. Mechanisms proposed to explain the clinical features of pseudoachalasia include a circumferential mechanical obstruction of the distal esophagus or a malignant infiltration of inhibitory neurons within the myenteric plexus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 1980 and December 2002, the clinical features of 5 patients with pseudoachalasia and 174 patients with primary achalasia, diagnosed in a single center, were compared. A literature analysis of the etiology of pseudoachalasia for the time period 1968 to December 2002 was performed. The search concentrated on the databases and online catalogues PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Current Contents Connect. RESULTS In our case series, patients with pseudoachalasia reported a shorter duration of symptoms and tended to be older than patients with primary achalasia. Conventional manometry, endoscopy and radiologic examination of the esophagus proved to be of little value in distinguishing between the diseases. In the majority of cases only surgical exploration revealed the underlying cause. A coincidence of primary achalasia and disorders of the gastroesophageal junction was excluded by showing return of peristalsis following treatment. The analysis of the literature showed a total of 264 cases of pseudoachalasia in 122 publications. Most cases of were due to malignant disease (53.9% primary and 14.9% secondary malignancy), followed by benign lesions (12.6%) and sequelae of surgical procedures at the distal esophagus or proximal stomach (11.9%). In rare instances, the disease was an expression of a paraneoplastic process due to distant neuronal involvement rather than to local invasion with destruction of the myenteric plexus (2.6%). CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of pseudoachalasia is difficult to establish by conventional diagnostic measures. The main distinguishing feature of secondary versus primary achalasia is the complete reversal of pathologic motor phenomena following successful therapy of the underlying disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Gockel
- Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate whether transabdominal ultrasonography can differentiate between achalasia and neoplasms involving the oesophagogastric junction. METHODS Ultrasonography was performed in 28 patients with achalasia, 28 sex- and age-matched controls and 13 patients with neoplasms. All studies were done with a 3.5 MHz real time curved array scanner and using an electronic caliper to measure oesophageal wall thickness and the maximum oesophageal diameter. Specificity and sensitivity in making a diagnosis of achalasia and tumours were determined by having unmarked images interpreted by a blinded observer. RESULTS Patients with achalasia were identified by recognition of a dilated oesophagus without the presence of a neoplastic lesion (maximum oesophageal diameter (median)=achalasia: 20.0 (14; 25)mm; controls 10.1 (9; 11) mm; P < 0.001). Oesophageal wall thickness was similar in the two groups (achalasia: 3.2 (2.5; 3.4) mm; controls: 2.9 (2.5; 3.4)). In patients with neoplasms, a hypoechoic lesion was identified at the level of the gastric cardia. The sensitivity of making a tumour diagnosis was 100% and the specificity 82%. CONCLUSION Transabdominal ultrasonography is a useful, non-invasive diagnostic aid in differentiating patients with primary achalasia from those with neoplastic lesions at the gastric cardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- V F Eckardt
- Deutsche Klinik fur Diagnostik, Aukammallee 33, DE 65191Wiesbaden, Germany.
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12
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de Borst JM, Wagtmans MJ, Fockens P, van Lanschot JJ, West R, Boeckxstaens GE. Pseudoachalasia caused by pancreatic carcinoma. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 15:825-8. [PMID: 12811315 DOI: 10.1097/01.meg.0000059141.68845.3d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia is mostly caused by gastric or oesophageal carcinoma. Here we report a case of pseudoachalasia caused by a pancreatic tumour invading the cardiac region. A 66-year-old man with a 2-month history of dysphagia and weight loss showed no abnormalities on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography scan, but had no swallow-induced relaxation on oesophageal manometry. Based on the patient's history and oesophageal manometry findings, further investigation was performed to exclude pseudoachalasia. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed abnormalities in the cardiac region, but large endoscopic biopsies showed no malignancy. A laparotomy was performed, which revealed a large, irresectable tumour originating from the pancreatic corpus region and expanding into the gastric cardia region. This case illustrates that a pancreatic tumour invading the cardiac region may present as pseudoachalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanneke M de Borst
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Bustamante M, Devesa F, Ferrando MJ, Borghol A. [Difficulty in the early diagnosis of pseudoachalasia of tumoral origin]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2001; 24:144-5. [PMID: 11261227 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5705(01)70143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Prakash C, Clouse RE. Esophageal motor disorders. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2000; 16:360-8. [PMID: 17031102 DOI: 10.1097/00001574-200007000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Motor dysfunction is responsible for symptomatic illnesses both in the proximal skeletal muscle region and in the distal smooth muscle esophagus. Practical methods for diagnosing and treating oropharyngeal dysphagia continue to reach consensus. Achalasia, the most significant of the distal motor disorders, is of investigative interest because of the expanded armamentarium of treatment options. Minimally invasive surgical methods have taken an important foothold as a primary treatment of this disorder. Appreciation is growing for sensory dysfunction that accompanies distal motor disorders. Such dysfunction may help explain the observed discrepancies between symptoms and measurable motility abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Prakash
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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