Infantile Achalasia Cardia.

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is extremely rare in infants.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS: We report three infants of age 9, 7 and 12 months, who presented with recurrent non-bilious vomiting, repeated chest infection and severe failure to thrive. Diagnosis of achalasia cardia was confirmed on contrast-swallow study. Hellers cardiomyotomy with fundoplication led to complete symptomatic relief, and weight-gain on follow-up.

MESSAGE: Achalasia cardia is often misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease which leads to significant delay in diagnosis and increased morbidity.