Esophageal spasm associated with apnea and bradycardia in an infant.

A newborn infant was found to have diffuse esophageal spasm in association with apnea and bradycardia. This association has not been physiologically documented before. The infant's condition improved after the administration of glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent. It is speculated that the association of esophageal spasm and bradycardia may be mediated by the vagus.