[Functional studies on the differential diagnosis of so-called cardiospasm and esophageal achalasia. Simultaneous electromanometric and serial radiographic studies].

The characteristic esophageal pressure tracings and radiological appearances of diffuse spasm and achalasia are reported. In two patients of the series spastic activity involves the gastroesophageal junction. The findings indicate that differentiation of so-called cardiospasm and achalasia can only be obtained by simultaneous electromanometric pressure measurement and serial film technique. The resulting surgical methods are briefly reviewed.