Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus
Other namesEsophageal dilatation
Chagas megaseophagus
SpecialtyGastroenterology

Megaesophagus, also known as esophageal dilatation, is a disorder of the esophagus in humans and other mammals, whereby the esophagus becomes abnormally enlarged. Megaesophagus may be caused by any disease which causes the muscles of the esophagus to fail to properly propel food and liquid from the mouth into the stomach (that is, a failure of peristalsis). Food can become lodged in the flaccid esophagus, where it may decay, be regurgitated, or maybe inhaled into the lungs (leading to aspiration pneumonia).[1]

  1. ^ "Achalasia". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2021.