title: GERD progressing to diffuse esophageal spasm and then to achalasia.
abstract: The pathophysiology of achalasia is not completely understood. Several reports have suggested that esophageal motility disorders may progress from one type to another. We report a patient with symptoms and esophageal motility findings consistent with gastroesophageal reflux who subsequently developed a diffuse esophageal spasm and then achalasia. We believe this to be the first report showing such a progression in esophageal motility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lembo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015155:Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry