About Achalasia Cardia: 1. Dysphagia is a presenting symptom 2. The cause is the absence of Auerbach's plexus 3. Esophagectomy is the treatment 4. Motility improving agents are used in treatment 5. Barium swallow shows irregular filling defects in lower esophagus

Achalasia is a rare disease caused by loss of ganglion cells within the esophageal myentric plexus. Patients mostly presents with dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain and weight loss. It is diagnosed by barium swallow and esophageal manometry. Barium swallow shows a beak like appearence. Esophageal manometry shows impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absent peristalsis. Most common surgical procedure for achalasia is Heller's myotomy performed in conjunction with paial fundoplication.