Gastroenterology: achalasia: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Gastroenterology: achalasia

Sample item

A patient has progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, nocturnal regurgitation of undigested food, and a bird-beak appearance on contrast study. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Achalasia

Achalasia results from impaired inhibitory neural control of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing failure of relaxation and aperistalsis. Dysphagia to solids and liquids from the outset is a key clue.

Option by option

  • A. Peptic stricture

    Peptic stricture typically begins with solids dysphagia.

  • B. Achalasia (correct)

    Correct. Bird-beak narrowing and mixed solid-liquid dysphagia are characteristic.

  • C. Zenker diverticulum

    Zenker diverticulum causes pharyngeal regurgitation and neck gurgling.

  • D. Esophageal carcinoma

    Esophageal cancer usually causes progressive solids-first dysphagia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Achalasia. Achalasia results from impaired inhibitory neural control of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing failure of relaxation and aperistalsis.

Why is "Peptic stricture" not the answer?

Peptic stricture typically begins with solids dysphagia.

Why is "Zenker diverticulum" not the answer?

Zenker diverticulum causes pharyngeal regurgitation and neck gurgling.

Why is "Esophageal carcinoma" not the answer?

Esophageal cancer usually causes progressive solids-first dysphagia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology: achalasia in General Medicine. Dysphagia to solids and liquids from the outset is a key clue.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Gastroenterology: achalasia?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.