True about achalasia cardia, all Except
**Core Concept**
Achalasia cardia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, leading to difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation of food. This condition results from degeneration of the myenteric plexus, a network of nerve fibers responsible for regulating esophageal peristalsis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the pathophysiology of achalasia cardia. In this condition, the LES fails to relax, and the esophagus exhibits aperistalsis, meaning there is a lack of coordinated muscle contractions. This leads to impaired emptying of the esophagus, resulting in symptoms such as dysphagia and regurgitation. The degeneration of the myenteric plexus is responsible for the loss of peristalsis and LES relaxation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because achalasia cardia is characterized by a failure of the LES to relax, not an abnormal contraction.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the esophagus exhibits aperistalsis in achalasia cardia, not hyperperistalsis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the myenteric plexus degeneration leads to impaired LES relaxation and esophageal peristalsis, not an increase in LES pressure.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Achalasia cardia is often diagnosed using a barium swallow study, which shows a "bird's beak" appearance of the distal esophagus due to the failure of the LES to relax.
**Correct Answer:** A.