PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with nutcracker esophagus?

1. Severe chest pain

2. Radiating pain to the back

3. Pain relief with food intake

4. Normal sphincter function

The correct answer is: Pain relief with food intake

Nutcracker esophagus is a motility disorder characterized by intermittent contractions of the esophagus that are excessively strong and prolonged, leading to various symptoms. The correct answer in this scenario is related to the symptom commonly associated with this condition. Pain relief with food intake is typically not seen in nutcracker esophagus, unlike in other esophageal conditions such as achalasia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where patients often find relief from symptoms after eating. In nutcracker esophagus, the severe chest pain that occurs is due to the high amplitude contractions, and swallowing may not provide symptomatic relief. Other symptoms linked to nutcracker esophagus include severe chest pain, which is often described as crushing or sharp and can be very distressing to patients. Additionally, radiating pain to the back can occur due to the nature of esophageal pain, which may present in atypical locations due to nerve pathways. Normal sphincter function is also a characteristic of this condition since the lower esophageal sphincter typically does not exhibit significant abnormalities in motility. Understanding the symptomatology of nutcracker esophagus is essential for differentiating it from other esophageal disorders and guiding appropriate management.