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megaesophagus
(redirected from Mega-esophagus)

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.06 sec.
megaesophagus /mega·esoph·a·gus/ (-ĕ-sof´ah-gus) see achalasia.
meg·a·e·soph·a·gus (mg--sf-gs)
n.
Abnormal enlargement of the lower portion of the esophagus, as seen in patients with achalasia.

megaesophagus
[meg′ə·isof′əgəs]
Etymology: Gk, megas + oisophagos, gullet
abnormal dilation of the lower segments of the esophagus caused by distension resulting from the failure of the cardiac sphincter to relax and allow the passage of food into the stomach. See also achalasia.

megaesophagus
chronic dilatation and atony of the body of the esophagus, usually associated with asynchronous function of the esophagus and the caudal esophageal sphincter. It occurs sporadically in cattle, horses and cats, but is most common in dogs. It is usually a congenital condition, causing accumulation of food and saliva and regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia from an early age but may also be secondary to systemic disease, particularly general neuromuscular disorders such as myesthenia gravis. An inherited basis is suspected in dogs. Vascular ring anomaly and a defective local neuromuscular plexus are listed pathogeneses.
Enlarge picture
Megaesophagus in a dog.


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