Esophageal achalasia and coexistent upper esophageal sphincter relaxation disorder presenting with airway obstruction
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Updated: May 5, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
G N Ali1, D R Hunt, J O Jorgensen
1Department of Gastroenterology, St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
Acute airway obstruction associated with esophageal achalasia is an uncommon but life-threatening complication. The pathophysiology of this phenomenon has not been fully defined. A fully documented case of coexistent esophageal achalasia and upper esophageal sphincter relaxation abnormality presenting with airway obstruction is reported. The patient was initially treated with Heller's myotomy but had a recurrence of respiratory distress. She was successfully treated by cricopharyngeal myotomy. The causes of gas entrapment and respiratory distress are likely to be due to failure of both swallow- and distention-induced upper esophageal sphincter relaxation. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is an effective treatment for this complication, probably by facilitating esophagopharyngeal gas venting.
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