Nutcracker esophagus: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Nutcracker esophagus | |||
| image = [[File:Peristaltic.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Barium swallow X-ray showing peristaltic movement in the esophagus | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Jackhammer esophagus | |||
| symptoms = [[Chest pain]], [[dysphagia]] | |||
| complications = [[Esophageal spasm]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| onset = Typically in adults | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = Unknown, possibly related to [[esophageal motility disorder]] | |||
| risks = [[Anxiety]], [[stress]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Esophageal manometry]], [[barium swallow]] | |||
| differential = [[Diffuse esophageal spasm]], [[achalasia]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| treatment = [[Calcium channel blockers]], [[nitrates]], [[botulinum toxin]] | |||
| medication = [[Diltiazem]], [[nifedipine]] | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Nutcracker_manometry.jpg|Nutcracker esophagus|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Esófago_Distencion_Contraccion_Nutcracker.png|Nutcracker esophagus|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Nutcracker esophagus''' is a condition of the [[esophagus]] characterized by powerful [[esophageal motility|esophageal contractions]]. This condition is named for the nutcracker, a tool used to crack nuts, because the contractions can be as strong as the pressure one would use to crack a nut. | '''Nutcracker esophagus''' is a condition of the [[esophagus]] characterized by powerful [[esophageal motility|esophageal contractions]]. This condition is named for the nutcracker, a tool used to crack nuts, because the contractions can be as strong as the pressure one would use to crack a nut. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The main symptom of nutcracker esophagus is [[dysphagia]], or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms can include [[chest pain]], [[heartburn]], and [[regurgitation]]. These symptoms can be similar to those of other esophageal disorders, such as [[achalasia]] and [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), making diagnosis challenging. | The main symptom of nutcracker esophagus is [[dysphagia]], or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms can include [[chest pain]], [[heartburn]], and [[regurgitation]]. These symptoms can be similar to those of other esophageal disorders, such as [[achalasia]] and [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), making diagnosis challenging. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of nutcracker esophagus is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to abnormal function of the [[nervous system]] that controls esophageal muscle contractions. Some researchers believe that it may be a form of [[visceral hypersensitivity]], in which the esophagus becomes overly sensitive to stimuli. | The exact cause of nutcracker esophagus is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to abnormal function of the [[nervous system]] that controls esophageal muscle contractions. Some researchers believe that it may be a form of [[visceral hypersensitivity]], in which the esophagus becomes overly sensitive to stimuli. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus is typically made through [[esophageal manometry]], a test that measures the pressure and coordination of esophageal contractions. Other tests, such as [[endoscopy]] and [[barium swallow]], may also be used to rule out other conditions. | Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus is typically made through [[esophageal manometry]], a test that measures the pressure and coordination of esophageal contractions. Other tests, such as [[endoscopy]] and [[barium swallow]], may also be used to rule out other conditions. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for nutcracker esophagus is aimed at reducing symptoms and may include medications to relax the esophageal muscles, such as [[calcium channel blockers]] and [[nitrates]]. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. | Treatment for nutcracker esophagus is aimed at reducing symptoms and may include medications to relax the esophageal muscles, such as [[calcium channel blockers]] and [[nitrates]]. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Esophagus]] | * [[Esophagus]] | ||
| Line 28: | Line 44: | ||
* [[Calcium channel blockers]] | * [[Calcium channel blockers]] | ||
* [[Nitrates]] | * [[Nitrates]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Esophagus]] | [[Category:Esophagus]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Digestive diseases]] | [[Category:Digestive diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:18, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Nutcracker esophagus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Jackhammer esophagus |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, dysphagia |
| Complications | Esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Onset | Typically in adults |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly related to esophageal motility disorder |
| Risks | Anxiety, stress |
| Diagnosis | Esophageal manometry, barium swallow |
| Differential diagnosis | Diffuse esophageal spasm, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Calcium channel blockers, nitrates, botulinum toxin |
| Medication | Diltiazem, nifedipine |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Nutcracker esophagus is a condition of the esophagus characterized by powerful esophageal contractions. This condition is named for the nutcracker, a tool used to crack nuts, because the contractions can be as strong as the pressure one would use to crack a nut.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of nutcracker esophagus is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms can include chest pain, heartburn, and regurgitation. These symptoms can be similar to those of other esophageal disorders, such as achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making diagnosis challenging.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of nutcracker esophagus is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to abnormal function of the nervous system that controls esophageal muscle contractions. Some researchers believe that it may be a form of visceral hypersensitivity, in which the esophagus becomes overly sensitive to stimuli.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus is typically made through esophageal manometry, a test that measures the pressure and coordination of esophageal contractions. Other tests, such as endoscopy and barium swallow, may also be used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for nutcracker esophagus is aimed at reducing symptoms and may include medications to relax the esophageal muscles, such as calcium channel blockers and nitrates. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
