Achalasia in an Eight-Week-Old Infant Successfully Managed by CRE Balloon Dilatation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Achalasia is uncommon in pediatrics and typically presents after five years of age. It is often managed medically, endoscopically, or surgically such as myectomy. This case highlights an exceptionally rare occurrence of achalasia at the age of eight weeks, successfully treated with endoscopic CRE® balloon dilatation, providing prompt relief of symptoms. From birth, this full-term infant experienced persistent vomiting and choking, coupled with suboptimal weight gain and unresponsiveness to anti-reflux measures. Diagnostic assessments revealed notable findings a barium meal demonstrated contrast pooling in the esophagus with distal rat tail narrowing, and esophageal manometry identified elevated pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and inadequate esophageal contractions consistent with the diagnosis of achalasia. The infant underwent two sessions of esophageal CRE® balloon dilatation under fluoroscopy 10 days apart. Possible associated syndromes were ruled out. No further interventions were needed for a follow-up duration of one year. The literature review reveals several modalities for treating achalasia in adults and older children, but there is a scarcity of data on younger children and infants. In this article, we reviewed current available evidence regarding treatment modalities and the success rate. There is an obvious lack of recommendations for children, particularly at younger ages, and the outcome is various given the rarity of this condition and the limited experience.