Secondary achalasia: association with adenocarcinoma of the lung and reversal with radiation therapy.

A case of secondary achalasia associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung is presented. Manometric studies before, during, and at the conclusion of radiation therapy demonstrated a return of orderly peristalsis, decrease in the elevated lower sphincter pressure, and a return of normal relaxation coincident with resolution of symptoms of dysphagia. The association with adenocarcinoma of the lung and resolution with radiation therapy alone have not been previously reported in secondary achalasia.