Case report: achalasia-like dysmotility secondary to oesophageal involvement of sarcoidosis

Gut. 2011 Feb;60(2):153-5. doi: 10.1136/gut.2010.227868. Epub 2010 Nov 4.

Abstract

We present a case of a patient with sarcoidosis and who subsequently developed dysphagia for solids, and some difficulty in swallowing liquids. High-resolution manometry of the oesophagus showed absent peristalsis in the oesophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis with oesophageal involvement was made and treatment with prednisolone 30 mg OD initiated. The patient improved symptomatically and high-resolution manometry was repeated showing complete recovery of oesophageal peristalsis and a deeper relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This is thus the first description of high-resolution manometry in sarcoidosis-induced changes of the oesophagus and of the effect treatment has on these motility changes. Oesophageal involvement of sarcoidosis is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. The symptoms and manometric pattern of this disorder mimics that of achalasia. However, we show that treatment with prednisolone results in a completely disappearance of the symptoms of dysphagia and subsequently lead to a large improvement of oesophageal motility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Esophageal Achalasia / etiology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / complications*
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / etiology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Sarcoidosis / etiology*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone