INTRODUCTION The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the general population ranges from 9 to 18%. This prevalence is known to be higher in the presence of parasympathetic nerve damage of the biliary tract either due to surgery (vagotomy) or neuronal destruction (Chagas disease). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cholelithiasis and chagasic or idiopathic megaesophagus. ...

A patient with chest pain and dysphagia presented with a history of achalasic megaesophagus and oesophageal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. Computed tomography showed the presence of megaesophagus (Fig. 1), mediastinal involvement and an oesophagotracheal fistula (Fig. 2). A feeding jejunostomy was placed, and the patient was referred for supportive care. Figure 1 : Computed tomography s...

BACKGROUND Chagas disease patients with longstanding megaesophagus have a significantly increased risk for esophageal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS PCR-SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing of esophageal mucosa from Chagas disease patients (with or without megaesophagus) in the exons of the TP53, CDKN2A and FHIT genes were performed. RESULTS SSCP analysis showed a mobility shift in 2/20 patie...

We present an interesting case of an elderly lady who presented with stridor caused by megaesophagus secondary to an acquired idiopathic dysmotility disorder. We discuss the aetiology and management of megaesophagus secondary to this condition and how it differs from megaesophagus secondary to achalasia.

The palliation of patients with megaesophagus secondary to achalasia of the cardia presents significant challenges to the surgeon. Experience with palliation of megaesophagus secondary to Chagas' disease suggests that options other than cardiomyotomy or oesophagectomy can result in satisfactory outcomes. A small series of patients with non-chagasic megaesophagus who were treated with a gastroes...

Megaesophagus appears to be more common in Friesian horses than in other breeds. A prevalence of approximately 2% was observed among Friesian horses presented to the Wolvega Equine Clinic and the Utrecht University Equine Clinic. In this study, morphologic changes in the esophagi of Friesian horses with megaesophagus were compared with those of 6 control horses. Of 18 horses with clinically obs...

OBJECTIVE: To measure the time to gastric emptying of a semi-solid diet in individuals with Chagasic megaesophagus, in comparison with a non-Chagasic control group. METHOD: The time to gastric emptying of a semi-solid diet was assessed via ultrasonography in 28 patients with Chagasic megaesophagus (grades I, II, and III) and compared to that of a control group (n 1⁄4 15). After measurement of a...

Megaesophagus or esophageal ectasia is dilation of the esophagus because of insufficient or uncoordinated peristalsis in the mid and cervical esophagus and it has been described in dogs, cats, cows [1]. This syndrome might occur as a congenital idiopathic disorder (Uncommon) or it might manifested in adult animals as in idiopathic (Common) or acquired lesion. The pathogenesis of acquired is the...

This work describes radiography studies of the esophagus in chagasic patients of the Mambaí project over a 25 year period. Each person realized two radiographs in four different periods (1975-1976, 1980-1982, 1988-1991 and 1998-2000). The first radiograph was realized in the right anterior oblique position after swallowing 75 ml of barium sulphate solution and another 60 seconds later. In all p...