[Concurrent achalasia and severe obesity].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Esophageal Motility Disorders
• Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder typically not associated with obesity.
• Morbid obesity can present challenges in diagnosing and managing concurrent medical conditions.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old woman with morbid obesity was diagnosed with achalasia.
• Her achalasia symptoms, present for 25 years, contributed to her obesity.
• She had previously undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).
• POEM provided effective symptomatic relief for achalasia.
• This case highlights the importance of recognizing the simultaneous occurrence of achalasia and morbid obesity.

Implications:

• Awareness of the potential co-occurrence of achalasia and morbid obesity is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe and effective treatment option for achalasia, even in patients with a history of gastric bypass.
• Understanding the long-term interplay between esophageal motility disorders and obesity is essential for comprehensive patient care.