Megaesophagus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Megaesophagus is a condition in dogs where peristalsis fails to occur properly and the esophagus is enlarged. The food fails to enter the stomach, and is eventually regurgitated.

In human pathology a condition known as Achalasia may predispose a person to slowly develop Megaesophagus. Achalasia is due to the loss of ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus. It occurs mostly in middle aged adults. There is a marked lack of contraction in the muscle contractions involving peristalsis with a constant contraction of the lower esophageal spincter. Dilation of the esophagus results with a difficultly in swallowing. Retention of food bolus' is also noted. Achalasia also predisposes to esophageal carcinoma.