The characteristic esophageal manometry finding in achalasia cardia is:
**Question:** The characteristic esophageal manometry finding in achalasia cardia is:
A. Normal pressure profile
B. Reduced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure
C. Increased basal LES pressure
D. Absence of peristalsis
**Correct Answer:** D. Absence of peristalsis
**Core Concept:** Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder characterized by the absence of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and impaired esophageal peristalsis. This leads to a lack of coordinated propulsion of the bolus through the esophagus and subsequently, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and regurgitation of food.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In achalasia cardia, the primary abnormality lies in the absence of peristalsis, which is the coordinated muscular contractions responsible for propelling food bolus through the esophagus. This results in the inability to relax the LES and the inability to generate effective peristaltic waves, leading to dysphagia and regurgitation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Normal pressure profile: This would indicate a healthy esophagus, which is not the case in achalasia cardia.
B. Reduced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure: Although LES pressure is often reduced in achalasia cardia, the absence of peristalsis is the primary abnormality leading to the characteristic dysphagia and regurgitation symptoms.
C. Increased basal LES pressure: This is incorrect because increased basal LES pressure is not a feature of achalasia cardia. Instead, it is the absence of peristalsis that causes the symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl:** Esophageal manometry is crucial for diagnosing achalasia cardia as it allows for the assessment of lower esophageal sphincter pressure and the presence of peristalsis. A combination of reduced LES pressure and absence of peristalsis is diagnostic of the condition. Treatment options include endoscopic myotomy (Heller's Dor procedure), botulinum toxin injection, and pharmacological therapy (e.g., vasodilators or calcium channel blockers).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In achalasia cardia, the primary abnormality is the absence of peristalsis, which is the coordinated muscular contractions responsible for propelling food bolus through the esophagus. This leads to the characteristic dysphagia and regurgitation symptoms. The manometric findings are essential for confirming the diagnosis, as they demonstrate reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure and a lack of peristalsis. Manometry typically shows reduced LES pressure and absence of peristalsis in achalasia cardia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Normal pressure profile: This is incorrect because the primary abnormality in achalasia cardia is the absence of peristalsis, not changes in LES pressure.