Etymed
achalasia
Definition
A disorder of the esophagus characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax properly, preventing food from passing into the stomach
Clinical context
A 55-year-old man presents with progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids over several months. He reports regurgitation of undigested food and chest pain after eating. An esophageal manometry would likely show elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure with absent peristalsis.
Mnemonic
ACHALASIA - 'A' for 'Achalasia', 'C' for 'Chest pain', 'H' for 'Hypertensive LES', 'A' for 'Achalasia', 'L' for 'Lack of peristalsis', 'A' for 'Achalasia', 'S' for 'Sphincter dysfunction', 'I' for 'Inability to relax', 'A' for 'Achalasia', 'T' for 'Tachyphylaxis', 'I' for 'Ingestion problems'