[Diagnostic problems in the differentiation of achalasia and spasm of the oesophagus (author's transl)].

In 15 patients suspected to have achalasia or diffuse spasm of the oesophagus we were unable to make the final diagnosis of their motility disorder in spite of radiologic, endoscopic, and manometric examinations. In 5 patients the radiologic and manometric results showed a discrepancy. In 4 patients only the lower oesophageal sphincter exhibited failure fo complete relaxations typical of achalasia; however, the motility of the body of the oesophagus was peristaltic in nature. In 6 patients the initial diagnosis had to be changed during follow-up. In conclusion, motility disorders occur in the oesophagus which cannot be classified according to existent definitions. It is possible therefore that achalasia and oesophageal spasm are different and not always fixed expressions of one nosologic entity.