All are true of arhalasia cardia except-
**Core Concept**
Arhalasia cardia, also known as idiopathic achalasia, is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, leading to difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation of food. This condition is often associated with degeneration of the myenteric plexus, a network of nerve fibers that regulates esophageal motility.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is that arhalasia cardia is characterized by the failure of the LES to relax in response to swallowing. This is due to the degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which disrupts the normal coordination of esophageal contractions and relaxation of the LES. The LES fails to relax, causing a functional obstruction that prevents food from entering the stomach. This failure of relaxation is a hallmark of arhalasia cardia and is responsible for the symptoms of difficulty swallowing and regurgitation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option is likely incorrect because it does not accurately describe a characteristic of arhalasia cardia. However, without more information, it is difficult to determine the exact reason why this option is incorrect.
**Option B:**
This option is incorrect because it describes a characteristic of diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), not arhalasia cardia. DES is a condition characterized by abnormal contractions of the esophagus, which can cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect because it describes a characteristic of esophageal stricture, not arhalasia cardia. Esophageal stricture is a condition in which the esophagus becomes narrowed due to scarring or inflammation, causing difficulty swallowing.
**Option D:**
This option is incorrect because it describes a characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), not arhalasia cardia. GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of arhalasia cardia is the failure of the LES to relax in response to swallowing, which is due to degeneration of the myenteric plexus. This failure of relaxation is responsible for the symptoms of difficulty swallowing and regurgitation.
**Correct Answer: None**