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Rai GS, Sarawagi R, Sharma S, Apte A. An infant with nasal regurgitation since birth and failure to thrive. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:TD03-4. [PMID: 26023621 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/12711.5819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The condition achalasia cardia is rare in paediatric age group, especially in infants. An 11-month-old female infant presented with complaints of oronasal regurgitation since birth and failure to thrive. Upper GI contrast study was conducted which demonstrated massive dilatation of lower 2/3(rd) of oesophagus with abrupt narrowing at lower oesophageal sphincter and positive 'bird beak sign'. On the basis of radiological findings infantile achalasia cardia was diagnosed and patient underwent modified Heller's Oesophagocardiomyotomy with anti reflux procedure. Post operatively the symptoms subsided and weight gain was noted after six month follow up. Although functional infant regurgitation and Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infancy, uncommon causes like achalasia cardia should also be considered as a differential when symptoms are persisting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garjesh Singh Rai
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Peoples College of Medical Science and Research Centre Bhopal, India
| | - Radha Sarawagi
- Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Peoples College of Medical Science and Research Centre Bhopal, India
| | - Sakshi Sharma
- Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Peoples College of Medical Science and Research Centre Bhopal, India
| | - Ashwin Apte
- Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Peoples College of Medical Science and Research Centre Bhopal, India
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Hallal C, Kieling CO, Nunes DL, Ferreira CT, Peterson G, Barros SGS, Arruda CA, Fraga JC, Goldani HAS. Diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and associated diseases of achalasia in children and adolescents: a twelve-year single center experience. Pediatr Surg Int 2012; 28:1211-7. [PMID: 23135808 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3214-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although achalasia is a rare disorder in children, its symptom may mimic common childhood diseases. This study aimed to assess the diagnosis and management of achalasia in children and adolescents in a Brazilian single center during a 12-year period. METHODS Patients with achalasia were identified from a database built during the period of January 2000-January 2012 from a Pediatric Gastroenterology reference center. Information regarding demographic data, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up were described. RESULTS Thirteen patients were studied; median age was 7 (1-14) years. Most frequent symptoms were vomiting (84.6 %) and dysphagia (69.2 %). Weight loss occurred in 46.0 % of patients and chronic cough in 46.1 %. Associated disorders were Down's syndrome, Allgrove syndrome, and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Achalasia was misdiagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Six patients were previously treated as having gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma. Five patients had pneumatic balloon dilation as initial therapy whereas five had esophageal myotomy. Finally, 11 patients had surgical therapy with a favorable follow-up. CONCLUSION Achalasia symptoms may mimic common diseases in children, and therefore, may delay the diagnosis. This study emphasizes the importance of the clinical symptoms for the diagnosis of achalasia, mainly in those cases with associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Hallal
- Post-Graduate Program Sciences in Gastroenterology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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3
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Postnatal changes in vagal control of esophageal muscle contractions in rats. Life Sci 2012; 90:495-501. [PMID: 22285836 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Replacement of smooth muscles by striated muscles occurs in the esophagus during the early postnatal period. The aim of this study was to clarify postnatal changes in vagal control of esophageal muscle contractions in rats. MAIN METHODS An isolated segment of the neonatal rat esophagus was placed in an organ bath and the contractile responses were recorded using a force transducer. KEY FINDINGS Electrical stimulation of the vagus trunk evoked a biphasic contractile response in the neonatal esophageal segment. The first and second components of the contractions were inhibited by α-bungarotoxin and atropine, respectively. Ganglion blockers, hexamethonium and mecamylamine, did not affect vagally mediated contractions. The first component gradually enlarged with age in days, whereas the second component declined during the first week after birth. Application of d-tubocurarine or acetylcholine caused an apparent contraction in the esophageal striated muscle at postnatal day 0, but responses to these drugs were not observed at 1 week after birth. The neonatal esophagus expressed the γ-subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In contrast, the ε-subunit was dominantly expressed in the adult esophagus. SIGNIFICANCE The vagus nerves directly innervate both the esophageal striated muscles and smooth muscles in the early neonatal period. During the process of muscle rearrangement, the property of the striated muscles is altered substantially. The specific features of striated muscles in the neonatal rat esophagus might compensate for immature formation of neuromuscular junctions. Unsuccessful conversion of the striated muscle property during postnatal muscle rearrangement would be related to disorders of esophageal motility.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Achalasia is a rare esophageal motor disorder in children. The manometric hallmarks are esophageal body aperistalsis, lack of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, and high LES pressure. However, LES relaxation and function may be heterogeneous, making the diagnosis difficult at times. The aim of the study was to describe LES function in children with achalasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present study is a retrospective review of manometric tracings of pediatric patients with achalasia and controls. LES response after each swallow was evaluated. LES parameters were defined as homogeneous (normal or abnormal) if the same response was observed in >75% of swallows. Otherwise, the LES parameters were considered heterogeneous. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients with achalasia and 16 control patients were included. All of the controls had normal LES pressure and relaxation in all of the wet swallows. In the achalasia group, some LES relaxation was present in 74% of swallows and 25% of swallows had normal relaxation. Depending on the parameter, a heterogeneous LES (resting pressure, relaxation, residual pressure, and duration of relaxation) was observed in 27.6% to 34.5% of patients with achalasia versus 0% of the controls (P < 0.001). The rest of the patients with achalasia had homogeneous abnormal responses versus homogeneous normal responses in 100% of control patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The LES function in pediatric patients with achalasia is heterogeneous. The classic description of a nonrelaxing high-pressure LES in patients with achalasia is rarely found in children. Partial relaxations are common, and normal relaxations may be present.
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Chatterjee S, Gajbhiye V, De A, Nath S, Ghosh D, Das SK. Achalasia cardia in infants: report of two cases. THE JOURNAL OF IMA 2012; 44:jima-44-1-09260. [PMID: 23864995 PMCID: PMC3708635 DOI: 10.5915/44-1-9260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Achalasia cardia is a neuromuscular disorder of unknown etiology involving the body of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is characterized by aperistalsis of the body of the esophagus and failure of relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. It usually affects patients between the ages of 30 and 60 years. It is unusual in childhood and extremely rare in infants. We report two cases of achalasia cardia in infants. Both cases were treated with open Heller’s esophagocardiomyotomy with anti-reflux procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Chatterjee
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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6
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Vaos G, Demetriou L, Velaoras C, Skondras C. Evaluating long-term results of modified Heller limited esophagomyotomy in children with esophageal achalasia. J Pediatr Surg 2008; 43:1262-9. [PMID: 18639680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Modified Heller esophagomyotomy has become the initial treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia in children. However, only limited and not objective data are currently available on the long-term results of modified Heller limited esophagomyotomy (LEM). This retrospective study was undertaken to objectively assess the long-term results of LEM in childhood esophageal achalasia. METHODS Medical records of 15 patients with a median age of 9.5 years (range, 6-13 years) who underwent an LEM without an antireflux procedure from January 1991 to December 2005 were reviewed. Clinical scores, barium esophagogram, flexible upper alimentary endoscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry before and 0.5 to 15 years after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS An excellent to good outcome was observed in 14 (93.3%) patients. One patient (6.7%) required reoperation 8 months after surgery because of persistent dysphagia. The late barium esophagogram showed a significant decrease (from 4.2 +/- 0.95 to 2.4 +/- 1.1 cm, P < .01) of esophageal diameter, as compared with preoperative values. Only 1 patient had grade II esophagitis on flexible upper alimentary endoscopy. Twenty-four- hour esophageal pH monitoring showed an abnormal acid exposure in 1 patient. The late esophageal manometry showed a significant decrease (from 31.7 +/- 7.9 to 7.8 +/- 3.7 mm Hg; < .05) of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and only insignificant increase (from 18.8 +/- 6.2 to 21.4 +/- 8.4 mm Hg; NS) of amplitude of esophageal contractions over preoperative values. CONCLUSIONS Transabdominal LEM without an antireflux procedure is an effective and safe treatment of esophageal achalasia in children because of its long-term high rate of symptoms relief and low incidence of postoperative complications, despite the lack of esophageal motility restoration to normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Vaos
- Second Department of Paediatric Surgery, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.
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7
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Lam YY, Lo IFM, Shek CC, Tong TMF, Ng DKK, Tong TF, Choi MS, Lam STS, Ho CS. Triple-A syndrome--the first Chinese patient with novel mutations in the AAAS gene. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2006; 19:765-70. [PMID: 16789645 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2006.19.5.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We report on the first Chinese patient with triple-A syndrome, who presented at 22 months with status epilepticus secondary to hyponatraemia and hypoglycaemia. Subsequent endocrine investigations confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency and aldosterone deficiency. In the presence of achalasia and alacrima, this patient satisfies the diagnostic criteria of triple-A syndrome. Further molecular testing detected compound heterozygous mutations in the AAAS gene: a c.580C --> T transition in exon 7 and a c.771delG single nucleotide deletion in exon 8. Testing of parents and brother confirmed their heterozygous carrier status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Lam
- Department of Paediatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, 25 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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8
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Viola S, Goutet JM, Audry G, Girardet JP. Le mégaœsophage de l'enfant : profil clinique et évolution à long terme. Arch Pediatr 2005; 12:391-6. [PMID: 15808427 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2004.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Accepted: 10/25/2004] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Achalasia of the cardia is rare in children. We report our experience in the management of 20 children with achalasia. PATIENTS Twenty children (seven girls including two sisters) with achalasia were studied, seven of them had a morbid association. Age at diagnosis ranged from eight months to 18 years (med: 6.4 yrs). Duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis ranged from one to 62 months (med: 8 months). Regurgitations, weight loss and recurrent pneumonias were the most common presenting symptoms. Diagnosis was established using esophageal manometry, which showed aperistalsis throughout the esophageal body with impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter in all children, and chest x-ray and barium esophagram, which were abnormal in 11 and 18 children respectively. OUTCOME Nifedipine used in nine children was ineffective. Two balloon dilatations were performed in one child with a poor result. Surgery with Heller's myotomy combined with an antireflux procedure was performed in 19 children. One child died six months later due to an hypoglycemic coma. During the follow-up (6 months-21 years) symptoms reappeared in five children. Seventy-two percent of the children had no symptoms one year after the surgery and 45%, five years after. Esophageal manometry performed after surgery in seven children showed a normal lower esophageal sphincter pressure but with impaired relaxation, and an aperistalsis throughout the esophageal body. These results justify prolonged follow-up of children with achalasia of the esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Viola
- Service de gastroentérologie et nutrition pédiatriques, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, assistance publique-hôpital de Paris, 26 avenue du Dr-Arnold-Netter, 75571 Paris cedex 12, France
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9
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Khelif K, De Laet MH, Chaouachi B, Segers V, Vanderwinden JM. Achalasia of the cardia in Allgrove's (triple A) syndrome: histopathologic study of 10 cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2003; 27:667-72. [PMID: 12717251 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200305000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Allgrove's syndrome, i.e., achalasia, addisonianism, alacrima (OMIM 231550) is an autosomal recessive disorder recently associated with the AAAS gene coding for the Aladin protein. However, the pathophysiology of achalasia in Allgrove's syndrome remains obscure. Here we investigated the histopathology of the cardia in Allgrove's syndrome. Myectomy specimens from 10 children with Allgrove's syndrome and four normal cardia were studied by routine staining and by immunohistochemistry for the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5, neuronal NO synthase, interstitial cells of Cajal, and CD3+ lymphocytes. In the normal cardia, myenteric ganglia, intramuscular nerve fibers, and interstitial cells of Cajal were numerous, whereas myenteric fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltrates were absent. In Allgrove's syndrome, fibrosis of the intermuscular plane was prevalent in all patients. Myenteric ganglia were absent, decreased, or apparently normal in 1 of 10, 8 of 10, and 1 of 10, respectively. Neuronal NO synthase was absent in 7 of 10 and decreased in 3 of 10, whereas interstitial cells of Cajal appeared normal in 7 of 10 and decreased in 3 of 10. Lymphocytes infiltrating the myenteric plexus were present in 6 of 10. Pyloromyectomy specimens available for six patients showed normal histopathologic features. In conclusion, the lack of neuronal NO synthase and fibrosis of the intermuscular plane can be linked to the defective cardia relaxation. Other features were less constant and may reflect the variability of disease expression and progression among patients with Allgrove's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Khelif
- Laboratoire de Neurophyisiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, and Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Mehra M, Bahar RJ, Ament ME, Waldhausen J, Gershman G, Georgeson K, Fox V, Fishman S, Werlin S, Sato T, Hill I, Tolia V, Atkinson J. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for children with achalasia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2001; 33:466-71. [PMID: 11698765 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200110000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimally invasive esophagomyotomy, consisting of a laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach, has become a preferred surgical treatment for adults with achalasia. This multicenter study reports on the clinical status of children who have undergone minimally invasive esophagomyotomy for achalasia. METHODS Symptomatology for achalasia was assessed in 22 pediatric patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagomyotomy for achalasia between 1995 and 2000. All patients were evaluated for duration of hospitalization, postoperative resumption of feeds, postoperative complications, and symptomatic relief. Participants were assigned pre-and postoperative symptom severity scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe). RESULTS The median age of the 10 females and 12 males at time of surgery was 11.3 years +/- 3.4 (standard deviation). Transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy with fundoplication was performed in 18 patients, and thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy without fundoplication was performed in 4. Two patients required conversion from transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy to open esophagomyotomy because of intraoperative esophageal perforation. The mean duration of postsurgical follow-up was 17 +/- 16 (standard deviation) months (range, 1-54 months). Mean duration of hospitalization (days +/- standard error or mean) was less for transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy than for converted open esophagomyotomy (2.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 9.0 +/- 3.0 days; P < 0.05) or for thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy (4.8 +/- 1.7 days; P = not significant). Mean time to resumption of soft feedings (days +/- standard error or mean) occurred sooner after transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy than after converted open esophagomyotomy (2.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.5 +/- 0.5 days; P < 0.001) or after thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy (4.0 +/- 1.3 days; P = not significant). Patients experienced significant pre-to postoperative improvement in mean severity score with regard to dysphagia (2.6 vs. 0.4; P < 0.001) and regurgitation (1.7 vs. 0.2; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive esophagomyotomy can provide excellent symptomatic relief from dysphagia and regurgitation for children with achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mehra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1752, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Achalasia is rare in children, more so familial. We report two siblings with familial achalasia who presented in their infancy with vomiting and failure to thrive. Achalasia can be misdiagnosed as upper gastrointestinal obstruction as happened in one of our siblings. Esophageal contrast roentgenography is diagnostic. Both the children were treated successfully by transabdominal esophagomyotomy with fundoplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Rao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576119, Karnataka, India
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12
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Esposito C, Mendoza-Sagaon M, Roblot-Maigret B, Amici G, Desruelle P, Montupet P. Complications of laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia in children. J Pediatr Surg 2000; 35:680-3. [PMID: 10813322 DOI: 10.1053/jpsu.2000.5942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and management of the complications that occurred in some children who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in the authors' institutions. METHODS Between March 1993 and October 1998, the files of all the children with achalasia who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in a community hospital in Naples, Italy, and a private hospital in Paris, France, were reviewed. A 5-port technique was used associating Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy to an antireflux surgical mechanism (Dor's or Toupet's) in all cases. Intra- and postoperative complications, as well as the postoperative outcome, were evaluated. RESULTS Ten laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomies were performed in 5 girls and 5 boys with achalasia. Age ranged between 2 and 13 years. Mean operating time was 120 minutes. Hospital stay ranged between 3 and 41 days. Complications were recorded in 3 patients: in 2 an esophageal mucosal perforation and in 1 a prolonged dysphagia. Two of these complications occurred in the last patients operated on. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 6 years. All children were free of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The results show that laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in children is a feasible procedure. Assessment of mucosal integrity immediately after the myotomy must be performed. Complications can happen even if the operation is performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Esposito
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Naples, Italy
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Clark
- Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's London, United Kingdom.
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14
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Tovar JA, Prieto G, Molina M, Arana J. Esophageal function in achalasia: preoperative and postoperative manometric studies. J Pediatr Surg 1998; 33:834-8. [PMID: 9660208 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3468(98)90653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Aperistalsis observed in children with achalasia may be secondary to sphincteric spasm or reflect a primary esophageal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess manometrically sphincteric function and esophageal motility before and after successful myotomy. METHODS Conventional stationary and pull-through manometry were performed preoperatively in 14 patients and postoperatively in 13. Ambulatory 24-hour manometry was carried out in four and eight patients in these two groups, respectively, and the results were compared with those of 23 refluxing youngsters. RESULTS Sphincter hypertony with lack or incompleteness of relaxation was found preoperatively in all patients, and sphincter pressure decreased dramatically after myotomy in all of them. All patients had aperistalsis preoperatively, and only a few had some primary, but weak, contractions postoperatively. Ambulatory manometry results confirmed a reduced number of motor events even during meals and only insignificant improvement of progressiveness, completeness and amplitude of waves after myotomy irrespective of the time elapsed since the procedure, the degree of recovery of esophageal caliber, and the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Motor disorders in achalasia in children are similar to those of adults with the same disease. Motor recovery is observed only in some patients, although it is never complete, and their esophagi will remain ineffective for life. Because myotomy destroys the sphincter, and motility is permanently impaired in this condition, a fundoplication must be interposed to allow long-term mucosal protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Tovar
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Infantil Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Nowicki
- Division of Pediatric, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia 23708, USA
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16
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17
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Robertson FM, Jacir NN, Crombleholme TM, Moriarty KP, Verhave M. Thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia in a child. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1997; 24:215-7. [PMID: 9106110 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-199702000-00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F M Robertson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Efrati Y, Horne T, Livshitz G, Broide E, Klin B, Vinograd I. Radionuclide esophageal emptying and long-acting nitrates (Nitroderm) in childhood achalasia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1996; 23:312-5. [PMID: 8890084 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-199610000-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Y Efrati
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Abstract
Twelve children with achalasia were treated by the technique of balloon dilatation in the years 1984-1991. Follow-up from 2 to 8 years (mean 3.5 years) showed complete relief of obstruction in 10 patients, while two required esophagomyotomy. Balloon dilatation is effective in the treatment of achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Perisic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
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20
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Abstract
This report summarizes a worldwide survey of achalasia in childhood. The data were obtained by circulating a questionnaire to pediatric surgeons throughout the world. Information was received regarding 175 patients, and the analysis is presented. Childhood achalasia appears to be more common in boys, and familial cases are rare. Regurgitation of food and dysphagia are the most frequent symptoms in affected children. Although 18% of patients had symptom onset during infancy, only 6% of the patients were identified as having achalasia during infancy. The survey suggests only a fair clinical response to transthoracic esophagocardiomyotomy and a good to excellent clinical response to transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy. A cooperative effort between several institutions will permit the development of prospective treatment protocols for children with achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Myers
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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21
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Abstract
The Triple A syndrome is a rare condition comprising achalasia, alacrima and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) insensitivity. A 12 year old Chinese girl with a variant of this syndrome (achalasia and alacrima), presenting with failure to thrive, is reported. Typical appearances of achalasia on barium swallow subsequently led to the correct diagnosis. The radiologist may be the first to recognize this syndrome and hence help anticipate its potentially life-threatening sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Khong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
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22
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Grant DB, Barnes ND, Dumic M, Ginalska-Malinowska M, Milla PJ, von Petrykowski W, Rowlatt RJ, Steendijk R, Wales JH, Werder E. Neurological and adrenal dysfunction in the adrenal insufficiency/alacrima/achalasia (3A) syndrome. Arch Dis Child 1993; 68:779-82. [PMID: 8333772 PMCID: PMC1029374 DOI: 10.1136/adc.68.6.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Review of 20 patients with glucocorticoid deficiency (three cases also with salt loss) associated with absent tear secretion (19 cases) and achalasia of the cardia (15 cases) revealed neurological abnormalities in 17 including hyper-reflexia, muscle weakness, dysarthria, and ataxia together with impaired intelligence and abnormal autonomic function, particularly postural hypotension. These findings indicate that significant neurological problems are common in this multisystem disorder.
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23
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Abstract
Several treatment options are available in the management of achalasia of the cardia. Of a recent series of 14 children, 12 were treated by a modified Heller's myotomy combined with a floppy Nissen fundoplication. Symptoms were dramatically improved in nine during a mean follow up period of 3.9 years. Recurrent oesophageal pain was the most resistant symptom and continued to be moderately severe in three patients, two of whom obtained temporary relief by oesophageal balloon dilatation. Two patients treated by pneumatic dilatation alone have residual symptoms. These results support a primary surgical approach to the management of achalasia in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Emblem
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Institute of Child Health, London
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24
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Abstract
The Dor-Gavriliu procedure was utilized in six children with achalasia of the cardia from 1983 to 1991. Four boys and two girls (mean age, 10.1 years; range, 3 months to 16 years) presented with symptoms of weight loss (83%), emesis (83%), dysphagia (67%), recurrent respiratory infections (67%), and nocturnal regurgitation (33%). The diagnosis of achalasia was established by barium swallow in all patients; esophageal manometry was used in four patients to confirm the diagnosis. Follow-up ranged from 10 months to 8 years (mean, 3.5 years). Four neurologically normal patients had excellent results with complete resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Two neurologically impaired children, both afflicted with Down's syndrome, had less than excellent results. One moderately impaired child had a good result (required three postoperative bougie dilations over 8 years without demonstration of gastroesophageal reflux); the second, more severely impaired child, had only a fair result (persistent failure to thrive with the development of grade II gastroesophageal reflux). The Dor-Gavriliu procedure uses a transabdominal, anterior esophageal myotomy with incorporation of an effective, nonobstructing, antireflux mechanism that should prevent myotomy reapposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- K B Allen
- Department of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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