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[Pseudoachalasia due to amyloidosis treated by botulinum toxin]

M Benjelloun1, C-L Peng, F Héritier

  • 1Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Ghassani, CHU Hassan-II, Fès, Maroc.

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|December 19, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pseudoachalasia, a rare condition mimicking achalasia, can be treated with botulinum toxin injections. This minimally invasive approach offered sustained relief for an elderly patient with amyloidosis-related pseudoachalasia.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Pseudoachalasia, a condition mimicking achalasia, presents diagnostic challenges and potential complications, particularly in elderly patients.
  • Multifocal primitive amyloidosis is an uncommon cause of pseudoachalasia.

Observation:

  • An 84-year-old female presented with dysphagia and recurrent pneumonia, indicative of pseudoachalasia.
  • The patient was diagnosed with pseudoachalasia secondary to multifocal primitive amyloidosis.

Findings:

  • Treatment with botulinum toxin injection during gastric fibroscopy led to significant clinical improvement.
  • The positive effects of the botulinum toxin treatment persisted for at least 15 months.

Implications:

  • Botulinum toxin injection represents a viable and effective therapeutic option for pseudoachalasia associated with amyloidosis.
  • This minimally invasive treatment may offer a valuable alternative for managing pseudoachalasia in elderly patients, potentially avoiding more invasive procedures.

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