Achalasia Cardia Mimicking Oesophageal Cancer: A Revisit

Achalasia results from a progressive degeneration of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the oesophagus. Patients commonly presented with insidious onset of dysphagia and sometimes may mimic oesophageal cancer (pseudoachalasia). A 36-year-old lady presented with dysphagia of both liquid and solid for 3 months duration. Upper endoscopy is one of the diagnostic evaluations of achalasia but oesophageal manometry remains the gold standard in diagnosing achalasia. Resection (esophagectomy) gives better outcome in patients with grossly dilated distal esophageal as reported in this case.