title: Diagnostic modalities for achalasia.
abstract: Diagnostic evaluation for achalasia in patients with dysphagia begins with barium esophagography to evaluate for an anatomic lesion of the esophagus or the gastric fundus. Most of the patients with achalasia can be detected with an initial radiologic approach. Esophageal manometry, however, remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of achalasia and is important for patients for whom a correct diagnosis is uncertain or essential. The article reviews these and other diagnostic tests that may be used in evaluating patients suspected of having achalasia.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gonlachanvit
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Parkman
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014743:Videotape Recording
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate