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Esophageal Achalasia: Diagnostic Evaluation
Federica Riccio1, Mario Costantini1, Renato Salvador2
1Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, School of Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
World Journal of Surgery
|February 23, 2022
Summary
Accurate achalasia diagnosis relies on barium swallow, endoscopy, and high-resolution manometry. High-resolution manometry predicts treatment success, especially for achalasia type II.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Precise diagnosis is crucial for effective achalasia treatment.
- Understanding achalasia subtypes (I, II, III) impacts management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic modalities for achalasia.
- To highlight the prognostic value of high-resolution manometry in achalasia.
Main Methods:
- Barium swallow studies visualize esophageal anatomy.
- Upper endoscopy rules out other esophageal pathologies.
- High-resolution manometry classifies achalasia types and assesses prognosis.
Main Results:
- Barium swallow, endoscopy, and manometry provide comprehensive diagnostic information.
- High-resolution manometry, per the Chicago classification, identifies achalasia types.
- Type II achalasia shows the best treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A combination of diagnostic tools ensures accurate achalasia diagnosis.
- High-resolution manometry is vital for predicting treatment success in achalasia.
- Further imaging like CT or endoscopic ultrasound may be needed for malignancy suspicion.
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