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Achalasia of the cardia in children

Manometric, cinematographic and pharmacoradiographic studies

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Abstract

Achalasia of the cardia is rare in children, who account for between 2% and 4% of all patients with the disorder. Manometric, radiocinematographic and combined pharmacological and radiological investigations are reported in 7 children. Manometry of the oesophagus revealed pathognomonic curves without spasm present in the cardia. This method is useful for early diagnosis and also for differentiating for other pathological conditions of the cardia. It may replace routine Xray examinations. The most important radiological features are described. Cinematography provided a valuable functional diagnostic aid to demonstrate movement at the cardia. Combined pharmacological and radiological studies utilizing β-receptor stimulants in conjunction with β-blockers demonstrated β-receptors in the cardia; an obser vationpreviously noted at in vitro studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg

    E. Willich

  2. Department of Pediatric Surgery Municipal Children's Clinic, Bremen, Germany

    E. Willich

  3. Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Hofmeisterweg 1-9, D-6900, Heidelberg 1, Germany

    E. Willich

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  1. E. Willich
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With support of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

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Willich, E. Achalasia of the cardia in children. Pediatr Radiol 1, 229–236 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00972857

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