What does this research mean for the field?

Severe esophageal achalasia in children can present atypically with recurrent respiratory infections and failure to thrive, and can be effectively managed with laparoscopic Heller myotomy and balloon dilations. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and multidisciplinary treatment of severe esophageal achalasia presenting primarily with recurrent respiratory infections in a pediatric patient.

September 3, 2026ZooKeysOpen Access

Achalasia in a 15-year-old child with recurrent respiratory infections: a case report

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Authors

NKNorin KhanMedical University of Sofia ASAlbena I. SpasovaMedical University of Sofia YTYordan I. TrifonovMedical University of Sofia

Discussion

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Implication

Case report demonstrates severe achalasia mimicking chronic lung disease in an adolescent, highlighting the risk of misdiagnosing esophageal motility disorders as respiratory illness.

Key Points

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and multidisciplinary treatment of severe esophageal achalasia presenting primarily with recurrent respiratory infections in a pediatric patient.
Clinical evaluation of a 15-year-old patient with a 5-year history of recurrent chest infections, evaluated via chest radiography, thoracic CT, and barium swallow.
Sequential interventions including therapeutic esophagoscopy for food clearance, nutritional rehabilitation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and postoperative pneumatic and hydrostatic balloon dilations over one year.
Diagnostic imaging identified an extremely dilated esophageal lumen measuring 69×58 mm with a pathognomonic bird's beak sign and secondary lower lobe pulmonary infiltrates.
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by four endoscopic balloon dilations of the cardia over a one-year period achieved substantial clinical improvement and symptom resolution.

Cite This Study

Khan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9934ea636c6408cfa7ca94 https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e166816

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Implication

Case report demonstrates severe achalasia mimicking chronic lung disease in an adolescent, highlighting the risk of misdiagnosing esophageal motility disorders as respiratory illness.

Achalasia in a 15-year-old child with recurrent respiratory infections: a case report

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Achalasia in a 15-year-old child with recurrent respiratory infections: a case report

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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