Question:

Regarding nutcracker esophagus, the correct statement is:

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The name itself hints at crushing, high-pressure squeezing of the food pipe.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • There is extremely forceful peristaltic activity leading to episodes of chest pain and dysphagia
  • There is no medical treatment available
  • It is a type of oesophageal malignancy
  • None of the above
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Answer: Forceful peristalsis with chest pain and dysphagia.
Step 1: Nutcracker esophagus (also called jackhammer or hypercontractile esophagus) is a primary motility disorder.
Step 2: Manometry shows normally coordinated but very high-amplitude peristaltic contractions (classically distal contraction amplitude above 180 mm Hg). These intense contractions produce intermittent retrosternal chest pain (which can mimic cardiac pain) and dysphagia.
Step 3: It is benign, not a malignancy, so option 3 is wrong. Medical treatment exists, so option 2 is wrong. Smooth-muscle relaxants such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) relieve symptoms.
Hence option 1 is correct.
Ref: Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23e, p.795.
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