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Achalasia in patients over 65
D B Simmons1, B M Schuman, J W Griffin
1Section of Gastroenterology, Medical College of Georgia, USA.
The Journal of the Florida Medical Association
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Elderly patients with achalasia (a rare esophageal motility disorder) primarily experience dysphagia. Pneumatic dilatation shows high efficacy for achalasia treatment in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder of unknown cause.
- It involves aperistalsis, increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, and impaired LES relaxation.
- Some features overlap with non-disease states, particularly in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and treatment response of newly diagnosed achalasia in patients over 65.
- To compare these findings with those typically reported in younger achalasia patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of achalasia cases in patients aged 65 and older.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms and response to pneumatic dilatation therapy.
Main Results:
- Dysphagia was the predominant symptom in elderly achalasia patients, consistent with younger cohorts.
- Chest pain was significantly less frequent in the elderly group compared to younger patients.
- Pneumatic dilatation demonstrated a high response rate in this older patient group.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients with achalasia present similarly regarding dysphagia but less frequently with chest pain.
- Pneumatic dilatation is an effective treatment for achalasia in older adults, with high response rates.
- These findings support earlier research on the efficacy of pneumatic dilatation in geriatric achalasia patients.
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