Cracking the Case of Achalasia-induced Syncopal Episode

Cureus. 2020 Mar 23;12(3):e7379. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7379.

Abstract

Achalasia is an uncommon disease that occurs due to inability of lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing, leading to dysphagia to liquids and solids. Clues to this diagnosis include: failed treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and changes on imaging studies including chest X-ray and barium esophagogram. Ultimately it is a diagnosis made on esophageal manometry. Swallow-induced syncope has been known in patients with achalasia for almost three centuries. Here we present the case of a patient with achalasia and a non-swallowing syncopal episode. To our knowledge and extensive search, there has been no report of a similar case.

Keywords: achalasia; asymptomatic; parasympathetic; syncope.

Publication types

  • Case Reports