6533b7dcfe1ef96bd1272915

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Clinical Presentation and Complications of Achalasia

Volker F. Eckardt

subject

medicine.medical_specialtybusiness.industryDisease progressionGastroenterologyHeartburnAchalasiaContext (language use)Chest painmedicine.diseaseEsophageal myotomySeverity of illnessmedicinemedicine.symptomIntensive care medicinebusiness

description

Patients with achalasia often present with atypical symptoms. If these occur in the context of "normal" morphological findings, the diagnosis may be delayed for several years. However, a careful interview and the use of modern methods that concentrate on pathophysiologic aspects always allow an early diagnosis and the initiation of therapy that affects most but rarely all symptoms. Finally, regardless of whether this therapy remains partially or totally effective, patients require some follow-up since serious and late complications may occur.

https://doi.org/10.1016/s1052-5157(18)30071-0