Abstract

RONDON-CARVAJAL, Julián et al. Megaesophagus as a complication of achalasia: Case report and narrative literature review. Rev. colomb. Gastroenterol. [online]. 2020, vol.35, n.4, pp.551-557.  Epub July 12, 2021. ISSN 0120-9957.  https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.460.

Megaesophagus occurs in between 5% and 20% of patients with achalasia. It is a primary esophageal motor disorder that has been known for more than 300 years. It should be considered in all patients with dysphagia that is not explained by an obstructive or inflammatory process after a detailed endoscopic study. The following is the case of a patient with progressive dysphagia, in whom megaesophagus was documented as a complication of untreated, long-standing achalasia. Chagas disease was ruled out by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IF), as recommended by current guidelines. Given the low frequency of this entity in our environment and the therapeutic implications for patients with achalasia, a narrative literature review was carried out to describe its diagnosis and treatment alternatives.

Keywords : Achalasia; Dysphagia; Esophageal motility; High-resolution manometry; Megaesophagus.

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