[Esophageal achalasia of chagasic origin: report of a case diagnosed in the pre-symptomatic stage].

A 42 year old male that presented with functional gastrointestinal symptoms is presented. X ray examination showed an esophageal diameter of 3 cm, measured 6 cm above the gastroesophageal junction. This finding, according to previous experiences of the authors, is highly suggestive of Chagasic esophageal involvement. The patient resided in a highly endemic area for Chagas disease; hemagglutination, latex agglutination and ELISA serological tests for Chagas disease were positive. The manometric study of the esophagus confirmed the diagnosis showing an elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure and hypomotility and poor amplitude contractions of the esophageal body. Barium enema and EKG were normal. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy disclosed an erosive gastritis that could explain the patients' symptomatology. The antiquity of Chagas infection was estimated in 18 years. This case represents an example of early diagnosis of esophageal involvement in the course of Chagas disease.