Jackhammer esophagus
Jackhammer Esophagus[edit | edit source]
Jackhammer esophagus, also known as hypercontractile esophagus, is a rare motility disorder characterized by excessively strong esophageal contractions. This condition can lead to symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty swallowing. It is diagnosed using high-resolution esophageal manometry, which measures the pressure within the esophagus during swallowing.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Patients with jackhammer esophagus may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Severe chest pain, often mistaken for cardiac pain
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Heartburn
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The primary diagnostic tool for jackhammer esophagus is high-resolution manometry, which provides detailed pressure measurements of the esophagus. The key diagnostic criterion is the presence of at least one swallow with a distal contractile integral (DCI) greater than 8,000 mmHg s cm.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of jackhammer esophagus is not well understood. It is thought to involve abnormal neural control of esophageal muscles, leading to hypercontractility. Some studies suggest a possible link to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other esophageal motility disorders.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for jackhammer esophagus focus on relieving symptoms and improving esophageal function. These may include:
- Medications: Calcium channel blockers or nitrates to relax the esophageal muscles.
- Botulinum toxin injections: To reduce muscle contractions.
- Endoscopic procedures: Such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) to cut the muscle layers of the esophagus.
- Dietary modifications: Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for jackhammer esophagus varies. Some patients respond well to treatment, while others may continue to experience symptoms. Long-term management may be necessary to control symptoms and prevent complications.
See Also[edit | edit source]
==
External Links[edit | edit source]
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- [International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders](https://www.iffgd.org)
NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Jackhammer esophagus is a rare disease.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
