In achalasia cardia, true is –
**Core Concept**
Achalasia cardia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, leading to impaired esophageal emptying and symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. The pathophysiology involves an abnormality in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus, which affects the coordination and contraction of esophageal muscles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In achalasia cardia, the LES fails to relax in response to swallowing, resulting in a sustained increase in the resting pressure of the LES. This is due to an abnormality in the myenteric plexus, which causes an uncoordinated contraction of the esophageal muscles and a failure of the LES to relax. The lack of LES relaxation prevents the normal passage of food into the stomach, leading to the characteristic symptoms of achalasia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the pathophysiology of achalasia cardia. The condition is not primarily caused by an abnormality in the esophageal epithelium.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the symptoms of achalasia cardia. While dysphagia is a common symptom, regurgitation and chest pain are also characteristic symptoms of the condition.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the treatment of achalasia cardia. While botulinum toxin injection may be used to temporarily relax the LES, it is not a long-term solution and is often used in conjunction with other treatments.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Achalasia cardia is often associated with other motility disorders, such as diffuse esophageal spasm and sigmoid esophagus. These conditions can be diagnosed using esophageal manometry and are important to consider in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia.
**Correct Answer: B. Dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain are characteristic symptoms of achalasia cardia.**