Achalasia cardia in a premature infant

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Nov 5:2010:bcr0520103014. doi: 10.1136/bcr.05.2010.3014.

Abstract

Achalasia cardia is defined as a neuromuscular disorder of the oesophagus with abnormal motility and failure of relaxation of the distal oesophagus. It is an uncommon but well-recognised entity in infants and children. However, achalasia in a preterm baby has not been previously described. We report the condition in a premature infant with unusual presentation, treated successfully with Heller's oesophagomyotomy and fundoplication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardia*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Achalasia / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / therapy
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal
  • Male
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / prevention & control
  • Recurrence
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / therapy
  • Stomach Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Stomach Diseases / therapy
  • Suction / methods