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[Injection of botulinum toxin for diffuse esophageal spasm]
1Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II. martin.storr@med.uni-muenchen.de
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|February 5, 2005
Summary
Botulinum toxin injections offer a promising treatment for diffuse esophageal spasm, providing sustained symptom relief. This minimally invasive approach shows potential for improving esophageal function in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a motility disorder characterized by chest pain and dysphagia.
- Diagnosis is typically confirmed via esophageal manometry and radiological imaging.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with a 3-4 year history of recurrent retrosternal pain and subsequent dysphagia.
- Esophageal manometry and radiology confirmed diffuse esophageal spasm; upper endoscopy was unremarkable.
Findings:
- Intramuscular injection of 100 units of botulinum toxin into the esophageal muscular coat resulted in symptom improvement.
- Esophageal transit time, assessed by scintigraphy, also improved, with sustained benefit for several months.
Implications:
- Botulinum toxin is a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option for diffuse esophageal spasm.
- Further evaluation in controlled prospective clinical studies is warranted to confirm these findings.