Bird Bead Sign In Esophageal Achalasia

Shao Hsuan Weng^*

Corresponding Author:

Shao Hsuan Weng
Department of Radiology,
Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital,
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Email: dororo320001@gmail.com

Abstract

Keywords

Bird bead sign ■ Achalasia

A 33yr old healthy female with no underlying disease. She came with history of dysphagia and vomiting easily for 6 months. Physical examination, blood lab data and esophagoscopy were normal. Esophagography with barium study showed short segmental smooth, tapered narrowing (straight arrow) of distal esophagus with proximal esophageal dilatation, consistent with ‘Bird bead’ sign of esophageal achalasia. Esophageal achalasia result from absent primary peristalsis and impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. It must be clinically suspected and radiographically confirmed for further treatment (FIGURE 1).

Figure 1. Esophagography with barium study showed short segmental smooth, tapered narrowing (straight arrow) of distal esophagus with proximal esophageal dilatation, consistent with ‘Bird bead’ sign of esophageal achalasia.