A 60-year old male pressents with progressivp difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and ocLsional regurgitation for the past 3 months. Barium studies showed marked dilatation of the upper esophagus with narrowmg of the lower segment. Manometry showed absent esophageal peristalsis. The pathogenesis of this condition is most likely related to-
Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder of the colon in which ceain nerve cells, known as ganglion cells, are absent, causing chronic constipation. The lack of ganglion cells is in the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus), which is responsible for moving food in the intestine. Ref Davidson edition23rd pg 796
Reflux of gastric acid into the lower esophagus
Abnormal dilatation of lower esophageal vein
Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter
Absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus
G.I.T