Question:medium
Corkscrew esophagus on a barium study is characteristically seen in which of the following conditions?
Corkscrew esophagus on a barium study is characteristically seen in which of the following conditions?
Show Hint
Simultaneous non-peristaltic contractions give the beaded barium pattern.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Carcinoma esophagus
- Scleroderma
- Achalasia cardia
- Diffuse esophageal spasm
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The corkscrew sign refers to a wavy, beaded barium column created when many segments of the esophagus contract at the same time instead of in an orderly wave. This points to a primary motility problem.
Step 2: That description matches diffuse esophageal spasm, in which simultaneous non-propulsive contractions occur. Its imaging is variously called corkscrew, rosary-bead, curling or pseudodiverticular esophagus, and manometry clinches the diagnosis. Clinically it causes chest pain and dysphagia.
Step 3: Considering why the others are wrong: cancer gives a fixed irregular narrowing, achalasia gives a smooth bird-beak taper with a dilated body above, and scleroderma leaves the esophagus dilated and limp with reflux. None reproduce the corkscrew configuration.
Step 4: So the answer is diffuse esophageal spasm.
\[\boxed{\text{Diffuse esophageal spasm}}\]
Step 2: That description matches diffuse esophageal spasm, in which simultaneous non-propulsive contractions occur. Its imaging is variously called corkscrew, rosary-bead, curling or pseudodiverticular esophagus, and manometry clinches the diagnosis. Clinically it causes chest pain and dysphagia.
Step 3: Considering why the others are wrong: cancer gives a fixed irregular narrowing, achalasia gives a smooth bird-beak taper with a dilated body above, and scleroderma leaves the esophagus dilated and limp with reflux. None reproduce the corkscrew configuration.
Step 4: So the answer is diffuse esophageal spasm.
\[\boxed{\text{Diffuse esophageal spasm}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
