Achalasia cardia associated with esophageal varices: a therapeutic dilemma

Authors Surinder Singh Rana, Deepak Kumar Bhasin, Chalapathi Rao, Rajiv Sarwal, Kartar Singh.

Abstract

A 63-year-old male, chronic alcohol consumer, presented with progressively increasing dysphagia of 6 months duration. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed dilated esophagus with residue along with esophageal varices. Esophageal manometry revealed findings suggestive of classic achalasia cardia. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination revealed peri-esophageal collaterals as well as prominent perforators at lower end of esophagus. The co-existence of varices with achalasia is very rare and this case posed a difficult therapeutic dilemma as risk of bleeding from the varices limited the treatment options available. This case was successfully treated with EUS-guided botulinum toxin injection.

Keywords Achalasia cardia, endoscopic ultrasound, cirrhosis, varices

Published
2013-06-12
Issue
Volume 26, No 3 (2013)
Section
Case Reports