Case List History Objectives Radiology Images Questions ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, AND DUODENUM Case #7 - A 42 year old woman presents with dysphagia DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 6.) What is the pathophysiology seen in achalasia? Achalasia is a disorder marked by a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter and decreased or absent peristalsis in the body of the esophagus. The pathogenesis is a neurogenic degeneration in the esophagus involving Auerbach’s plexus. This is usually idiopathic but may be due to parasitic infestation (Trypanosoma cruzi). The sphincter fails to relax on deglutition. Increased luminal esophageal pressure results in esophageal dilatation. There is progressive loss of peristalsis in the esophagus. It is believed that there is also basic underlying motor dysfunction in the body of the esophagus.
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