Appearance of a double bubble in achalasia cardia: a case report
2008

Double Bubble Appearance in Achalasia Cardia: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Lakhan Shaheen E, Kumar S Jeevan, Kini P Ratnakar

Primary Institution: Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hypothesis

Can a colonic air bubble mimic a gastric air bubble in patients with achalasia cardia?

Conclusion

In patients with achalasia cardia, a colonic air bubble may be mistaken for a gastric air bubble, but after treatment, a gastric air bubble can appear.

Supporting Evidence

  • A chest X-ray showed an air bubble below the left hemi-diaphragm, which was atypical for achalasia cardia.
  • After pneumatic dilatation, a second air bubble appeared, confirming the presence of a gastric air bubble.
  • The first air bubble was identified as a colonic air bubble due to haustral markings.

Takeaway

Sometimes, when people have a problem with their esophagus, an air bubble from their colon can look like an air bubble from their stomach. After treatment, the real stomach bubble shows up.

Methodology

The case involved a 43-year-old man diagnosed with achalasia cardia, who underwent pneumatic balloon dilatation, followed by chest X-ray imaging.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

43-year-old Indian man.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-2-383

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