title: Management of spastic disorders of the esophagus.
abstract: The concept of esophageal spastic disorders encompasses spastic achalasia, distal esophageal spasm, and jackhammer esophagus. These are conceptually distinct in that spastic achalasia and distal esophageal spasm are characterized by a loss of neural inhibition, whereas jackhammer esophagus is associated with hypercontractility. Hypercontractility may also occur as a result of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction or inflammation. The diagnosis of jackhammer esophagus as a primary motility disorder is based on the characteristic manometric findings after ruling out mechanical obstruction and eosinophilic esophagitis. Despite the differences in pathophysiology among the esophageal spastic disorders, their management is similar.
authors: Digestive Physiology, Hôpital E Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, Pavillon H, 5 place d'Arsonval, F-69437 Lyon Cedex 03, Lyon, France.
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Roman
authors: Peter J
authors: PJ
authors: Kahrilas
mesh_terms: D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015155:Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009566:Nitrates; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A