Motility disorders of the esophagus.

Motility disorders of the esophagus can cause a variety of esophageal complaints. Radiographic evaluation of the esophagus using multiple single swallows of barium provides an accurate assessment of esophageal function. Primary esophageal motility disorders that can be diagnosed include achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, and nonspecific esophageal motility disorder. Secondary esophageal motility disorders, especially those related to collagen disease, are also well detected. Manometric and clinical correlations in recent years have clarified the role of radiology in evaluating normal and abnormal esophageal function.