Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Cricopharyngeal achalasia responsive to balloon dilation in an infant

Dereck Davis1, Michael Nowicki, Henry Giles

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|May 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cricopharyngeal achalasia, a rare cause of infant vomiting and weight loss, was successfully treated with balloon dilation. This intervention restored normal growth and resolved symptoms in a pediatric patient.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders

Background:

  • Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder.
  • It presents with significant challenges in infant feeding and growth.

Observation:

  • An infant presented with severe vomiting and failure to thrive.
  • Symptoms were attributed to cricopharyngeal achalasia, a condition rarely diagnosed in pediatric populations.

Findings:

  • The infant demonstrated a positive response to balloon dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter.
  • This minimally invasive procedure led to complete symptom resolution.

Implications:

  • Balloon dilation offers a viable treatment for pediatric cricopharyngeal achalasia.
  • Effective management can restore normal growth and improve quality of life in affected infants.

More Related Videos

Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia09:46

Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia

Published on: February 16, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...