Diagnostic delay in achalasia.
Dig Liver Dis
; 2024 May 17.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38762352
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Achalasia is a rare disorder characterized by impaired esophageal motility and symptoms like dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. A timely diagnosis is crucial to adequately manage this condition.AIMS:
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic delay from symptom onset to a definite diagnosis of achalasia, and to identify associated factors.METHODS:
This retrospective, single-center study included patients diagnosed with achalasia between January 2013 and September 2023. Demographic data, symptoms, manometric, endoscopic, and radiological findings were collected. We also considered socio-economic deprivation. Early diagnosis was defined as occurring within 12 months of symptom onset, while late diagnosis was defined as occurring more than 12 months.RESULTS:
We included 278 patients (142 males, median age 58 years). Dysphagia was the most common symptom (96 %), followed by regurgitation (70.1 %). The median diagnostic delay was 24 months (IQR 12-72, range 0-720), with 213 patients (76.6 %) experiencing late diagnosis. Early diagnosis was more common in patients with weight loss (63.1% vs. 42.0 %, p = 0.003). Lower material deprivation correlated with shorter diagnostic delay (24 months, IQR 10-60 vs. 60 months, IQR 18-300, p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:
Achalasia diagnosis is often delayed. Weight loss along with socio-economic factors, influence the timeliness of diagnosis. Improving awareness of disease and relevance of initial symptoms may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Dig Liver Dis
Assunto da revista:
GASTROENTEROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália