Abstract
Background and objectives: Achalasia is an uncommon esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. While it has been described throught the world, there have been few epidemiological studies of this disorders in the Asia.
The aim of this cross sectional study was to describe the clinical and paraclinical features of patients with achalasia in Iran.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional database review of 83 patients with achalasia referred for esophageal manometry at the Taleghani hospital during April 2002 to September 2004 and 29 patients with achalasia that hospitalised for therapeutic procedures during may 2003 to July 2004.
Results: Median age of onset of symptoms was 38±15.74 years. The presenting symptoms were dysphagia to solids (100%) to liquid(79.3%), chest pain (27.5%), Regurgitation (17.2%), difficulty belching (27.5%), heart burn (13.7%) and weight loss(24%).
Endoscopy was reported as normal in 6/29 patients (20.6%) and achalasia was suggested in only 21/29 (72.4%) barium examination.
No cases of complications after pneumatic dilatations were identified among these patients .
Conclusion: The clinical and paraclinical features of Achalasia cases were similar to those described in other countries. Fortunately the complication of pneumatic dilation was low and out patient management is safe.