Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0014848 (achalasia)
 2,804 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Calcium-channel blocking agents have a potential role in regulation of gastrointestinal tract function by decreasing smooth muscle contraction and possibly inhibiting cellular secretion. Most studies to date have concentrated on the ability of these drugs to inhibit smooth muscle contraction. Verapamil and diltiazem have been shown in animals (opossum, baboon) to produce decreased contractions in esophageal smooth muscle, resulting in a decreased amplitude of peristalsis and decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressures. In studies in man, oral doses of diltiazem and nifedipine have likewise been shown to have similar effects on the esophagus. At present, there is no experimental evidence of a major antisecretory effect of these drugs. In clinical trials, nifedipine has been shown to have a greater effect than placebo in improving symptoms in patients with achalasia, and diltiazem has been suggested as potential therapy in patients with chest pain secondary to excessive esophageal contraction. The precise role for calcium-channel blocking drugs in therapy of gastrointestinal disease is still being explored.
Am J Cardiol 1985 Jan 25
PMID:Calcium-channel blocking agents for gastrointestinal disorders. 388 16

We present a patient with severe decompensated esophageal achalasia in whom transthoracic echocardiography revealed compression of the left heart chambers caused by the dilated esophagus representing a posterior mediastinal mass. This case also illustrates the ability of echocardiography to monitor success of treatment of decompensated achalasia. An important role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses is emphasized.
Int J Cardiol 1998 Sep 30
PMID:Esophageal achalasia compressing the heart diagnosed by echocardiography. 982 41

Left atrial compression by the esophagus, the stomach, or both is an uncommon but important cause of hemodynamic compromise. Achalasia is a disease of the esophagus with dilatation of the distal part and constriction of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Dilated esophagus is a rare cause of left atrial compression. Timely and precise diagnosis is of paramount importance in cases of left atrial compression and echocardiography enables clinicians to make a differential diagnosis successfully in most cases. Correction of primary pathology will usually lead to the return of normal hemodynamic function. We describe a case of extrinsic left atrial compression caused by the dilated esophagus due to achalasia that caused paroxysms of atrial tachycardia and hemodynamic compromise.
Int J Cardiol 2002 Oct
PMID:Extrinsic left atrial compression in a patient with achalasia. 1220 98