Achalasia secondary to carcinoma: manometric and clinical features.

The clinical and diagnostic features of a secondary type of achalasia of the esophagus are described in seven patients with various types of malignancies. Patients with secondary achalasia presented with dysphagia of short duration and marked weight loss; mean age was 64 years. Esophageal manometry showed features identical to those of idiopathic primary achalasia: aperistalsis, poor lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and elevated sphincter pressure. Endoscopy and barium swallow showed evidence of a tumor in only two cases. Various types of malignancies may produce a secondary form of achalasia that has diagnostic features identical to those of primary achalasia and is best identified by its clinical presentation.