Achalasia: A critical review of epidemiological studies

Achalasia is one of the earliest recognized gastroenterological conditions. However, several centuries after it was first described, it remains also a mong the least understood. One of the main reasons for this is the relative rarity of the disease, which has resulted in limited opportunities to cond uct investigative research. Few epidemiological studies have been conducted to date, and their data suggest a worldwide incidence estimated at between 0.03-1.1/10(5)/yr. This review of the literature on the epidemiology of ac halasia lends support to the idea that pooling of resources and collaborati on at an international level is required, if any significant progress in th e cause, treatment, and prevention of the disease is to be made. (C) 1998 b y Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.