Diffuse esophageal spasm
Encyclopedia
Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a condition in which uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus
occur. It is thought to result from motility
disorders of the esophagus. These spasms do not propel food effectively to the stomach. It can cause dysphagia
, regurgitation
and chest pain
.
s are used to treat this condition. Botulinum toxin, which inhibits acetylcholine release from nerve endings, may also be used in the treatment of DES by injections above the lower esophageal sphincter (although effects are temporary). Additionally, endoscopic balloon dilation has also been shown to improve symptoms of DES in small studies.
on barium swallow
x-rays.
Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach...
occur. It is thought to result from motility
Motility
Motility is a biological term which refers to the ability to move spontaneously and actively, consuming energy in the process. Most animals are motile but the term applies to single-celled and simple multicellular organisms, as well as to some mechanisms of fluid flow in multicellular organs, in...
disorders of the esophagus. These spasms do not propel food effectively to the stomach. It can cause dysphagia
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the medical term for the symptom of difficulty in swallowing. Although classified under "symptoms and signs" in ICD-10, the term is sometimes used as a condition in its own right. Sufferers are sometimes unaware of their dysphagia....
, regurgitation
Regurgitation (digestion)
Regurgitation is the expulsion of material from the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus, usually characterized by the presence of undigested food or blood.Regurgitation is used by a number of species to feed their young...
and chest pain
Chest pain
Chest pain may be a symptom of a number of serious conditions and is generally considered a medical emergency. Even though it may be determined that the pain is non-cardiac in origin, this is often a diagnosis of exclusion made after ruling out more serious causes of the pain.-Differential...
.
Treatment
Several drugs, including nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockerCalcium channel blocker
A calcium channel blocker is a chemical that disrupts the movement of calcium through calcium channels.CCB drugs devised to target neurons are used as antiepileptics. However, the most widespread clinical usage of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure in patients with...
s are used to treat this condition. Botulinum toxin, which inhibits acetylcholine release from nerve endings, may also be used in the treatment of DES by injections above the lower esophageal sphincter (although effects are temporary). Additionally, endoscopic balloon dilation has also been shown to improve symptoms of DES in small studies.
Causes
It has been reported that very cold or hot beverages can trigger an esophageal spasm. Contrary, rapid swallowing of a liquid often provides immediate relief.Radiography
The condition is sometimes referred to as corkscrew esophagus, due to a characteristic appearance of the esophagus as a corkscrewCorkscrew
A corkscrew is a kitchen tool for drawing stopping corks from wine bottles. Generally, a corkscrew consists of a pointed metallic helix attached to a handle. The user grips the handle and screws the metal point into the cork, until the helix is firmly embedded, then a vertical pull on the...
on barium swallow
Barium swallow
A barium swallow is a medical imaging procedure used to examine the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus and, to a lesser extent, the stomach.-Principle:...
x-rays.