title: Achalasia in Zimbabwean blacks.
abstract: The incidence and clinical features of achalasia in Zimbabwe have not previously been documented. During a 10-year period (1974-1983) 25 cases were seen in Bulawayo and Harare. The estimated incidence is 0,03/100 000 members of the population per year, which is much less than the incidence in Europe and America. Achalasia occurred at any age and there was a preponderance of cases in males. Dysphagia was invariable and its duration varied from 2 weeks to 15 years. Parotid enlargement was found in 2 patients and respiratory infections occurred relatively frequently. The importance of excluding oesophageal carcinoma is emphasized.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D015030:Zimbabwe