CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Achalasia

Frontal chest radiograph (image 1) shows a dilated air-filled esophagus (arrow). Upper GI images (images 2 and 3) show a bird's beak appearance of the distal esophagus (arrowhead) with dilation of the proximal esophagus (arrow). Irregular contractions and esophageal dysmotility are present. Achalasia is thought to be caused by a neuropathy of Auerbach's plexus. This causes the lower esophageal sphincter to remain contracted. Patient presents with dysphagia and halitosis.

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