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Dysphagia to solids and liquids in a patient with thick/thin blood smears (Giemsa) revealing what appears to be motile parasites.

Dx?
T. Cruzi (chagas disease) causing achalasia
Diagnostic Steps?
1. barium swallow
2. manometry
3. upper endoscopy
Tx?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The patient's dysphagia and blood smear with motile parasites may indicate Chagas disease, which can lead to achalasia. Diagnosis includes barium swallow, manometry, and upper endoscopy. Treatment may involve antiparasitic medications and management of complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of dysphagia to solids and liquids along with blood smears revealing motile parasites suggests that the patient may have Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease can lead to achalasia, a condition that affects the esophagus and can cause dysphagia. To diagnose Chagas disease and its complications, such as achalasia, several diagnostic steps may be taken. These include a barium swallow, to visualize the swallowing difficulties; esophageal manometry, to assess the pressure and muscle activity of the esophagus; and upper endoscopy, to directly examine the esophagus and possibly take tissue samples.

Treatment for Chagas disease can involve antiparasitic medications, though the chronic phase may require management of symptoms and complications, such as those affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

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