Achalasia Cardia In Indian Children– Experience From A Tertiary Care Institute In Chennai, India

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Achalasia cardia a rare oesophageal motility disorder is not uncommon in children. Aim and objectives:To describe the clinical profile of achalasia from a single pediatric tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of case records over a period of 10 years from March 2008 to March 2018 at institute of child health and hospital for children, Chennai, India. Results: 26 children had achalasia and 11 (42.3%) were males. The mean age was 42.08±36.33 months and 19 (73.07%) were less than five years at diagnosis. Vomiting was the most common symptom (88.4%) followed by failure to thrive (80.77%). Six had features of Allgrove syndrome. Heller's cardiomyotomy with or without fundoplication was done in 24 (92.3%) and pneumatic dilatation in two. Conclusion: Achalasia cardia is not uncommon and should be considered in children presenting with vomiting, dysphagia and failure to thrive. Surgery remains to be safe and effective.