PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by strong nonperistaltic contractions of the esophagus?

1. Nutcracker esophagus

2. Esophageal spasm

3. Achalasia

4. Esophagitis

The correct answer is: Esophageal spasm

The condition characterized by strong nonperistaltic contractions of the esophagus is esophageal spasm. In this disorder, there are episodes of intense, involuntary contractions of the esophageal muscles, which can disrupt the normal swallowing process. Patients often experience chest pain and difficulty swallowing, as these contractions can occur unpredictably and can be quite painful. Unlike conditions such as nutcracker esophagus, where there are strong but coordinated contractions, or achalasia, which is marked by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and inadequate peristalsis, esophageal spasm distinctly presents with these erratic, non-coordinated contractions. Esophagitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the esophagus, which can occur due to various causes but does not involve the strong contraction patterns seen in esophageal spasm. Thus, the nature of contractions and symptoms involved clearly point towards esophageal spasm as the correct condition in this scenario.