Barrett's Esophagus – Top USMLE Diseases

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder that develops from the degeneration of the myenteric plexus. This condition results in impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absence of normal esophageal peristalsis. Patients typically present with dysphagia to solids and liquids along with regurgitation. Diagnosis is established by high-resolution manometry. To rule out malignancy as a cause of achalasia, upper endoscopy is performed. Barium swallow study helps evaluate the esophageal morphology. Management options include pneumatic balloon dilation, surgical myotomy, and botulinum toxin injection. Choice of treatment is dependent on the type of achalasia and surgical risk. Medications are available for those who fail initial intervention; however, they provide the least benefit.

The gullet (Greek 'oesophagus') is a hollow organ, approximately 25 cm long, assigned the task of actively sending our food to the stomach. The following article will provide you with a compact overview of the anatomy as well as the most important diseases of this organ and explains the physiology of the act of swallowing in understandable steps.