Santosh Sanagapalli1,2, Rami Sweis3. 1. GI Physiology Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BU, UK. Santosh.Sanagapalli@svha.org.au. 2. St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Department Gastroenterology, 235 Euston Rd, 390 Victoria St, NSW, 2010, Australia. Santosh.Sanagapalli@svha.org.au. 3. GI Physiology Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BU, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to shed light on subtleties of achalasia diagnosis, including potential pitfalls that may lead to errors. Optimal methods for assessment of disease severity and the relationship between achalasia and other motility disorders will also be reviewed with an emphasis on recent findings from the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Adjunctive testing with viscous substances or larger water volumes should be used routinely as it improves the accuracy of achalasia diagnosis. Chronic opiate use can mimic achalasia. The timed barium swallow remains the best test for assessments of disease severity and prognostication, but the functional lumen-imaging probe, a newer tool which measures esophagogastric junction distensibility using impedance planimetry, is emerging as a potentially more powerful tool for these purposes. Functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is possibly part of the achalasia spectrum. By addressing the potential pitfalls described, and through routine and standardized use of the diagnostic tools mentioned herein, the accuracy of diagnosis, severity assessment, and prognostication of achalasia can be improved.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to shed light on subtleties of achalasia diagnosis, including potential pitfalls that may lead to errors. Optimal methods for assessment of disease severity and the relationship between achalasia and other motility disorders will also be reviewed with an emphasis on recent findings from the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Adjunctive testing with viscous substances or larger water volumes should be used routinely as it improves the accuracy of achalasia diagnosis. Chronic opiate use can mimic achalasia. The timed barium swallow remains the best test for assessments of disease severity and prognostication, but the functional lumen-imaging probe, a newer tool which measures esophagogastric junction distensibility using impedance planimetry, is emerging as a potentially more powerful tool for these purposes. Functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is possibly part of the achalasia spectrum. By addressing the potential pitfalls described, and through routine and standardized use of the diagnostic tools mentioned herein, the accuracy of diagnosis, severity assessment, and prognostication of achalasia can be improved.
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