Transient esophageal obstruction after pneumatic dilation for achalasia.
We report what we believe to be the first patient in whom an esophagram immediately after a routine, uncomplicated pneumatic dilation revealed complete esophageal obstruction. With conservative medical therapy, the obstruction spontaneously resolved within 48 h, and total relief of dysphagia followed. Other reports have told of distal narrowing and slow emptying of the esophagus after pneumatic dilation. Most of these patients had a good therapeutic result. Hence, partial or complete esophageal obstruction after pneumatic dilation does not by itself represent evidence of treatment failure.
Luppescu
N E
NE
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, City University of New York, NY 10029.
Cohen
L B
LB
D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine