GERD progressing to diffuse esophageal spasm and then to achalasia.

The pathophysiology of achalasia is not completely understood. Several reports have suggested that esophageal motility disorders may progress from one type to another. We report a patient with symptoms and esophageal motility findings consistent with gastroesophageal reflux who subsequently developed a diffuse esophageal spasm and then achalasia. We believe this to be the first report showing such a progression in esophageal motility.