[Spontaneous precordial pain: coronary spasm or esophageal pathology?].

Chest pain due to esophageal spasm or esophagitis may mimic pain of variant angina. Differential diagnosis of the two diseases is often difficult and requires various tests, the value of which is discussed. These problems are illustrated by three cases. The esophageal investigation should preferably be preceded by coronary arteriography. Chest pain or dysphagia due to iced drinks is not specific for esophageal spasm but may be due to coronary spasm.