المفاهيم الأساسية
SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger achalasia development.
الملخص
New evidence suggests a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the rapid onset of achalasia, an esophageal motility disorder. The study compared patients with post-COVID-19 achalasia, pre-existing achalasia, and achalasia without COVID-19 history. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in esophageal muscle tissue correlated with inflammatory responses, indicating a potential association between the virus and achalasia development.
TOPLINE:
SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to achalasia development.
METHODOLOGY:
Achalasia's cause is unclear, with viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 being a potential trigger.
Study compared post-COVID-19 achalasia, pre-existing achalasia, and achalasia without COVID-19 history.
Tested for SARS-CoV-2 proteins and inflammatory markers in esophageal muscle tissue.
TAKEAWAY:
Post-COVID-19 achalasia patients showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and inflammatory markers.
S protein was detected in muscle tissue samples from post-COVID-19 achalasia patients.
Presence of S protein unrelated to vaccination status.
IN PRACTICE:
Study authors linked SARS-CoV-2 proteins in esophageal tissue with sustained inflammatory responses.
SOURCE:
Study by Salih Samo, MD, MS, University of Kansas School of Medicine, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
LIMITATIONS:
Small sample size and unknown SARS-CoV-2 variants limit definitive conclusions.
DISCLOSURES:
Study had no specific funding; author reported relationships with various companies.
الإحصائيات
"Group 1 patients had the highest levels of the N protein in all four cases and higher levels of the S protein in the two confirmed cases."
"The presence of mRNA for SARS-CoV-2 N protein correlated with a significant increase in inflammatory markers."
اقتباسات
"Our findings not only show the continued presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in esophageal muscle tissue isolated from subjects with achalasia post infection, but they further correlate this with the presence of a sustained inflammatory response."