chalasia Cardia in Pregnancy Presenting as Hyperemesis Gravidarum in A Rural Kenyan Hospital: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) during swallowing, resulting in dysphagia, regurgitation symptoms, vomiting, fluid losses, and malnutrition. Achalasia cardia is rare in pregnancy and is often misdiagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum due to similar symptomatology, usually with significant morbidity and mortality. Definitive management is by surgical myotomy, which should be delayed until after delivery due to concerns about maternal and fetal safety. In this study, we present a case of achalasia cardia in a young primigravida in rural Kenya in the third trimester of pregnancy.