Abstract
Diffuse spasm of the esophagus is a disturbance characterized by hypermotility in which powerful, sometimes repetitive, incoordinated contractions of the lower part of the esophagus occur in response to deglutition. 1 Clinically, pain is the predominant symptom. Pain occasionally is brought on by eating but more often comes on spontaneously. Dysphagia alone is uncommon. The cause of diffuse esophageal spasm is unknown and the pathological features have been investigated only rarely. The only recent pathological study of which we are aware is by Byrnes. 2 His findings suggested that an error in muscular cell contact is responsible for this disease. The present study was undertaken to define further the fine structural changes in both smooth muscle and vagus nerve in the region of the lower part of the esophagus in patients with diffuse esophageal spasm. Methods Six patients were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis was established from the history and from esophagoscopic and roentgenologic study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
