Achalasia in father and son

Abstract

Achalasia has not been previously reported in father and son. A man, age 38, and his father, age 66, presented two years apart with symptoms of dysphagia and aspiration. The diagnosis of achalasia was made on the basis of x-ray and endoscopic findings and on esophageal motility studies performed on the father. Both responded well to pneumatic dilatation and have been asymptomatic for 24 months and 6 months, respectively. These cases again suggest a genetic basis for achalasia.