presbyesophagus

Epidemiology

• elderly > 80 years of age

Pathology

• degenerating motor function in the aging esophagus*

* controversial entity

* orginally described in elderly with comorbities (dementia, diabetes mellitus)

* only minor differences in esophageal function occur in healthy elderly < 80 years of age

Clinical manifestations

• most asymptomatic
• dysphagia or chest pain

Radiology

• barium swallow
  • decreased frequency of normal peristalsis
  • tertiary contractions (minor to severe)
  • esophgaeal dilation
  • impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation

Differential diagnosis

• non-specific esophageal motility disorder
• diffuse oesophageal spasm

More general terms

• esophageal dysmotility