Guillain-Barre syndrome and achalasia: two manifestations of a viral disease or coincidental association?

Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia are rare diseases of uncertain cause. However, viral etiologies have been postulated for each disorder. The concomitant presence of both disorders in a patient suggests a common etiology, because a coincidental association would be exceedingly rare. Indeed, to our knowledge, the concomitant appearance of Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia has not been previously reported. We now report our observation of a patient who developed dysphagia shortly after onset of Guillain-Barre' syndrome. Achalasia was subsequently diagnosed by manometry and was successfully treated by pneumatic dilation. The concomitant appearance of Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia in our patient supports the notion of a viral etiology for achalasia.