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[Achalasic megaesophagus with onset in the 1st year of life. A case report]
M Pellegrino1, M R D'Altilia, F Lotti
1Divisione di Pediatria, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.
Minerva Pediatrica
|June 1, 1991
Insights
Esophageal achalasia, a rare motility disorder, can cause severe respiratory issues like cough and cyanosis in infants. Surgical intervention, esophagomyotomy, significantly relieved symptoms in a nine-month-old baby.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Respiratory Medicine
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Esophageal achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of esophageal peristalsis.
- While typically diagnosed in adults, achalasia can present in infancy, often with atypical symptoms that can delay diagnosis.
Observation:
- A nine-month-old infant presented with recurrent episodes of cough and cyanosis, suggestive of a significant underlying medical condition.
- Clinical presentation mimicked common pediatric respiratory illnesses, highlighting diagnostic challenges in early-onset achalasia.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup confirmed esophageal achalasia as the cause of the infant's respiratory symptoms.
- Esophagomyotomy, a surgical procedure to relieve the obstruction at the esophageal sphincter, led to a remarkable improvement in the infant's clinical condition.
Implications:
- This case underscores that esophageal motility disorders, specifically achalasia, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory emergencies in infants.
- Early recognition and appropriate management of pediatric esophageal achalasia are crucial to prevent severe respiratory complications and ensure optimal infant development.
Abstract:
We report a case of esophageal achalasia in a nine months old baby. Recurrent cough and cyanosis were the most important clinical findings. Esophagomyotomy remarkably improved the clinical symptoms. Disorders of esophageal motility may be an important cause of respiratory emergencies in the first year of life.