An international study of mortality from achalasia.

Mortality associated with achalasia was studied in 28 populations from 26 countries. 829 deaths were reported in a total population of 754 million over periods ranging from 1 to 8 years. Standardised mortality rates (SMR) were calculated in comparison with the USA white population (SMR = 100; 95% confidence limits = 89-112). The highest mortalities were recorded in New Zealand (SMR = 259; 95% confidence limits 131-420) and the lowest in Spanish speaking countries such as Panama (SMR = 0; confidence interval 0-210) and Spain (SMR = 22; confidence interval 3-79).