Published online before print July 19, 2002, 10.1148/radiol.2243011049
Balloon Dilation for Achalasia of the Cardia: Experience in 76 Patients1
Tarun Sabharwal, FRCSI, FRCR,
Mark Cowling, MRCP, FRCR,
Jules Dussek, FRCS,
William Owen, FRCS and
Andreas Adam, FRCR, FRCS, FRCP
1 From the Departments of Interventional Radiology (T.S., M.C., A.A.) and Surgery (J.D., W.O.), Guys and St Thomas Hospital, Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7EH London, England. Received June 14, 2001; revision requested July 9; final revision received January 22, 2002; accepted February 1. Address correspondence to T.S. (e-mail: tarun_sabharwal@yahoo.co.uk).

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Figure a. Erect fluoroscopic images in a 42-year-old man with achalasia. (a) Image shows contrast material in the esophagus, which has a smooth tapered beaklike appearance (arrow) at the level of the esophageal hiatus. (b) Partially inflated balloon shows formation of a waist (arrow) at the diaphragmatic waist. (c) Additional inflation of the balloon shows complete obliteration of the waist (arrow). (d) Image shows successful dilation of lower esophageal segment and no evidence of leak after administration of a barium agent.
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Figure b. Erect fluoroscopic images in a 42-year-old man with achalasia. (a) Image shows contrast material in the esophagus, which has a smooth tapered beaklike appearance (arrow) at the level of the esophageal hiatus. (b) Partially inflated balloon shows formation of a waist (arrow) at the diaphragmatic waist. (c) Additional inflation of the balloon shows complete obliteration of the waist (arrow). (d) Image shows successful dilation of lower esophageal segment and no evidence of leak after administration of a barium agent.
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Figure c. Erect fluoroscopic images in a 42-year-old man with achalasia. (a) Image shows contrast material in the esophagus, which has a smooth tapered beaklike appearance (arrow) at the level of the esophageal hiatus. (b) Partially inflated balloon shows formation of a waist (arrow) at the diaphragmatic waist. (c) Additional inflation of the balloon shows complete obliteration of the waist (arrow). (d) Image shows successful dilation of lower esophageal segment and no evidence of leak after administration of a barium agent.
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Figure d. Erect fluoroscopic images in a 42-year-old man with achalasia. (a) Image shows contrast material in the esophagus, which has a smooth tapered beaklike appearance (arrow) at the level of the esophageal hiatus. (b) Partially inflated balloon shows formation of a waist (arrow) at the diaphragmatic waist. (c) Additional inflation of the balloon shows complete obliteration of the waist (arrow). (d) Image shows successful dilation of lower esophageal segment and no evidence of leak after administration of a barium agent.
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Copyright © 2002 by the Radiological Society of North America.