Because symptoms are similar to those of gastroesophageal reflux disease, achalasia is often misdiagnosed, explained Eric Low, MD, MPH, gastroenterology fellow at University of California, San Diego ... Achalasia is the best understood example of an esophageal motility disorder and characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The histopathology ...

Understanding the Context

A heatmap overlay highlighting regions of interest by the AI model. The bright red/yellow area is centered over the esophagus, indicating the model is detecting an abnormality in that region, likely ... The American Journal of Managed Care: Dr Eric Low Explains Challenges Surrounding Achalasia Diagnosis at DDW 2022 For years, Akia McDowell had been told she had gastroesophageal reflux disease, a common – yet unpleasant – digestive disorder in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Then, one day in early ...

Key Insights

Oregonian: Dear Doctor: Can viral infections, such as COVID, have a role in triggering achalasia? DEAR DR. ROACH: I have achalasia, which I understand is quite rare. Can you tell me the cause, and is it in any way related to the COVID vaccination? I heard from one professional doctor that it might ...

Final Thoughts

Dear Doctor: Can viral infections, such as COVID, have a role in triggering achalasia?