What is Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis?
Nutcracker Esophagus , also known as Hypertensive Peristalsis , is a benignant experimental condition and one of the movement disorders of the gullet where the patient has contractions in the smooth muscleman of the gorge , which come for unreasonable duration or amplitude ( > 180 mm Hg ) . The sequence , however , of the contractions is normal . Patient experiences dysphagia ( difficulty in swallowing ) to both fluid and solid food and pregnant chest bother and heartburn . In some example , patient may not have any symptoms at all .
Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis can come in individuals of any eld ; however , people in their 60 and 70 are more commonly impress by this disorder . The diagnosing of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis is made by esophageal manometry ( esophageal motility study ) , a test which appraise esophageal press at dissimilar item along the length of the oesophagus .
The name “ nutcracker esophagus ” is derived from the increase pressures found in the esophagus during vermiculation where the insistency overstep 180 mmHg . This has been compared to the pressure exerted by a mechanical nutcracker , which lead to the name of this condition , Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis .

This condition does not worsen and there are usually no complications associated with it , due to which , treatment for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis mainly contain of make do its symptom only .
Pathophysiology of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
There was no pregnant abnormality in the pathology specimens of a Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis . Whereas , in other movement disorders , such as achalasia , there was death of myenteric plexus seen . The pathophysiology of nuthatch esophagus can be associated with abnormality in mediators or neurotransmitters in the distal part of the esophagus . The main problem is thought to be irregularity in the levels of nitric oxide , which are also go through in achalasia . As nutcracker gorge is also associated withGERDand the variation in the nitric oxide and other chemicals can be in response to the reflux .
Causes of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) is one of the primary movement of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis . This experimental condition can affect individual of any years ; however , patients who are in their 60 and 70s are at an increased risk to educate Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis .
Signs & Symptoms of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis is an esophageal movement upset , where there is abnormal vermiculation or cause of the oesophagus . Patients who stick out motility disorders commonly feel two primary symptom : Dysphagia ( difficultness with swallowing ) orchest pain , which is describe as non - cardiac chest of drawers pain due to its lineage in the esophagus . Patients having nutcracker esophagus commonly experience chest pain more than dysphagia . The chest of drawers goat god experienced in nuthatch esophagus is intermittent in nature and may not be link with food intake . Other symptoms of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis are often sporadic in nature and can come about with or without food .
In rare font , patients can see sudden obstruction of the esophagus after consumption of food and need quick medical treatment . This consideration is known as food bolus obstruction or ‘ chophouse syndrome . ’
Unlike other move upset , Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis does not come along or aggravate or lead to any complications . There are many patients who have nuthatch esophagus , but are symptomless . Esophageal manometry studies which are done on symptomless patient divulge the same movement findings that of a nutcracker gorge . Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis can also be relate with metabolic syndrome .
Diagnosis of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
High answer videoesophagram and esophageal motility studies are done to confirm the diagnosing of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis . Esophageal movement studies comprise of measurements take of the pressures in the esophagus after the patient takes a dry ( solid - comprise ) and wet ( liquidity - hold ) swallow . The measurements are taken at different points in the esophagus . This study shows the characteristic features of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis . There are dissimilar characteristics of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis the most mutual is an mean peristaltic amplitude in the distal esophagus that is greater than 180 millimeter Hg . The other characteristic is the presence of repeated contraction which exceed 6 seconds in duration . There is relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in nutcracker esophagus , however , with increase pressure sensation of more than 40 mm Hg at baseline .
In patients who are suffer from dysphagia , initially mental testing are done to rule out an anatomical grounds of dysphagia , i.e. whether there is esophageal distorted shape . An endoscope is used to image the esophagus . Barium deglutition x - beam of light of the esophagus can also be done . The determination of an endoscopy are usually normal in patient role who have nutcracker esophagus ; however , other mental defectiveness which are related to gastroesophageal ebb disease along with nutcracker esophagus can be visualized . Barium deglutition x - shaft in patient with nutcracker esophagus are also usually normal . However , a definitive diagnosis can be find if direct contrast is given . Endoscopic Ultrasound reveals slight tendency towards thickening of the muscularis propria of the esophagus in patients who have nutcracker esophagus . However , this may not be useful in making the diagnosis .
Treatment for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis is a non - progressive and benignant status , which means that the patient will not have worsening symptom or tolerate from any significant complications due to this condition . Reassurance is given to the patient that this disease is not likely to progress . However , symptoms , such as pectus pain and dysphagia can be dangerous in some patient role and they may need treatment for it which usually consists of medicinal drug , and in rare cases , surgery .
Conservative Treatment for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
The first step in treatment of Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis and its symptom is focalise on reducing the risk ingredient . Losing superfluous weight facilitate in reducing the symptom . passing red-hot and moth-eaten beverages can also set off the esophageal muscle spasm and should be forfend .
Medications to Treat Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
Endoscopic Therapy for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
Surgery to Treat Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis
operating theatre is done in those patients who do not gain from aesculapian or endoscopic therapy . surgical process for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis comprises of Heller myotomy where an incision is made in the muscles of the low esophageal anatomical sphincter and in the myenteric rete , which innervates it . This will allow the liquids and nutrient to fade into the stomach . Heller myotomy is done as a last stamping ground in rare cases where patient role do not benefit or respond to other treatment modalities for Nutcracker Esophagus or Hypertensive Peristalsis .