Disease or Syndrome
esophageal spasm
e·soph·a·ge·al spasm
Subclass of:
Esophageal motility disorders
Also called:
Rosary Bead or Corkscrew Esophagus; Spastic Pseudodiverticulosis; Symptomatic Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
Definitions related to esophageal spasm:
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Involuntary contractions of the esophagus that are irregular, uncoordinated, and painful.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
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(esophageal spasm, diffuse) A hypermotility disorder of the ESOPHAGUS that is characterized by spastic non-peristaltic responses to SWALLOWING; CHEST PAIN; and DYSPHAGIA.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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Symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm is part of a spectrum of motility disorders characterized variously by nonpropulsive contractions and hyperdynamic contractions, sometimes in conjunction with elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Symptoms are chest pain and sometimes dysphagia. Diagnosis is by barium swallow or manometry....Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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Broadly, esophageal spasm can be divided into 2 major variants that are distinct entities: (1) diffuse esophageal spasm and (2) hypertensive peristalsis. Diffuse esophageal spasm is characterized by contractions that are of normal amplitude but are uncoordinated, simultaneous, or rapidly propagated (see image below).WebMD, 2025
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Esophageal spasms are painful contractions within the muscular tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden, severe chest pain that lasts from a few minutes to hours.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
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