Gastrointestinal Pathology · Pathology

Which of the following is a common cause of 'secondary' achalasia?

  1. Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi)
  2. Chronic heavy alcohol abuse
  3. Prolonged nutritional Vitamin C deficiency
  4. Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi)

Achalasia involves the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. While primary achalasia is idiopathic, secondary achalasia can occur in Chagas disease because the parasite destroys the myenteric plexus.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

Practice all 20 Gastrointestinal Pathology questions

Keep practicing

More Gastrointestinal Pathology questions