Achalasia is a rare disease characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. The etiology of this disease remains unknown. Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II is a well-identified disease characterized by the occurrence of autoimmune Addison's disease in combination with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes mellitus....

BACKGROUND/AIMS The primary pathophysiologic abnormality in achalasia is known to be a loss of inhibitory myenteric ganglion cells, which may result from an immune-mediated response or neuronal degeneration. The aim of this study was to identify proteins suggestive of an immune-mediated response or neuronal degeneration in the serum of achalasia patients using a proteomic analysis. METHODS Bl...

Since its first description in 19911, laparoscopic Heller myotomy has been associated with better short-term outcomes and shorter recovery time, compared to open operation. Given this high success rate2, it was soon generally accepted as the procedure of choice for achalasia over the nonsurgical treatment options, such as medical treatment with calcium channel blockers or nitroglycerin, endosco...