Eosinophilic esophagitis and achalasia: two distinct nosologic entities or a possible etiopathogenic association?

Background: Despite the fact that researchers have made significant progress in elucidating pathophysiology of esophageal diseases, the understanding of esophageal motility alterations in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis is in its infancy and current published medical literature remains rather scarce on this topic. A growing body of scientific data regarding associations between esophageal motor disorders such as achalasia and eosinophilic esophagitis exists nowadays.
Summary: It seems that association of eosinophilic esophagitis and achalasia does not constitute a cause and effect relationship, as it is not clear whether esophageal motility abnormalities are the result of eosinophilic esophagitis or vice versa. As such, there is no universally accepted treatment algorithm for patients presenting with both of these entities.
Key messages: The aim of this article is to review the existing data on achalasia-like motility disorders in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, highlighting possible association between these two esophageal disorders. Moreover, we seek to describe the clinical presentation in such cases, diagnostic modalities to be used and current treatment strategies in patients suspected to suffer from both disorders.

Source: Digestive Diseases - February 28, 2021 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research