Abdominal Pain and Vomiting

Ultrasound Q. 2017 Dec;33(4):303-304. doi: 10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000315.

Abstract

Abdominal ultrasound of a 28-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain and vomiting demonstrates a dilated aperistaltic distal esophagus, which was confirmed on follow-up esophagram as achalasia. The 2 main types of achalasia are primary and secondary. Primary achalasia occurs with the loss of postganglionic neurons resulting in failed distal esophageal relaxation. Secondary achalasia is esophageal narrowing due to nondenervation causes. The diagnosis of achalasia is typically made with manometry and barium esophagram.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Esophageal Achalasia / complications*
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Esophagus / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Vomiting / etiology*