title: Balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures/achalasia.
abstract: Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, diminished-to-absent peristalsis in the distal portion of the esophagus composed of smooth muscle, and lack of a coordinated LES relaxation in response to swallowing. These abnormalities are recognized radiographically by aperistalsis, esophageal dilatation, and decreased opening of the LES, with a characteristic "bird-beak" appearance. The principal symptom of this disorder is dysphagia and pneumatic dilatation is designed to alleviate or cure this symptom.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Radiologist, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Tarun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sabharwal
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adam