Reversible Achalasia Due to Reticulum-Cell Sarcoma

Abstract

ESOPHAGEAL achalasia has characteristic clinical, radiographic, manometric1 and methacholine (Mecholyl)2 test findings. Although achalasia is usually of idiopathic origin, cases of Chagas disease3 and, rarely, gastric carcinoma4 , 5 may be almost indistinguishable. In the case presented below, reticulum-cell sarcoma in the region of the distal esophagus simulated achalasia and was reversed by antineoplastic treatment.Case ReportAn 84-year-old man experienced progressively increasing dysphagia to solids and liquids for two months, associated with postprandial substernal pressure, weakness and a 5-kg weight loss. He denied chills, fever and pruritus. A Grade 2 papillary transitional-cell carcinoma of the bladder had been fulgurated eight years . . .