Achalasia cardia in infants: report of two cases

A rare cause of infantile achalasia: GMPPA-congenital disorder of glycosylation with two novel compound heterozygous variants

Achalasia is rare in the pediatric population and should prompt clinicians to consider genetic disorders associated with this condition. While AAA syndrome (also known as Allgrove or Triple A syndrome) is commonly considered, GMPPA‐congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) should also be in the differential diagnosis. We report a 9‐month‐old female born to nonconsanguineous parents with achalasia and alacrima found to have two novel compound heterozygous variants in the GMPPA gene associated with GMPPA‐CDG. This rare disorder is commonly associated with developmental delay and intellectual disability. We discuss management of this disorder including the importance of confirming a genetic diagnosis and summarize reported cases.

Achalasia Cardia in a Young Infant

Achalasia cardia is an esophageal motility disorder rarely reported in children and more so in young infants. Common clinical presentations include vomiting, dysphagia, regurgitation, recurrent pulmonary aspiration and failure to thrive. Diagnosis is made by barium swallow study and esophageal manometry, which is the gold standard test. Pharmocological management and endotherapy often fails and results in recurrence of symptoms. Laparoscopic Hellers myotomy, with or without anti-reflux procedure is the standard treatment of choice for children. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy is utilized for treatment of achalasia in adults, but its safety, efficacy, and feasibility is not studied in children.

An infant with nasal regurgitation since birth and failure to thrive

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.