The broad differential diagnosis of vomiting: a case of achalasia

Vomiting is a very frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics. Their approach requires a wide differential diagnosis since they can be a symptom of both a functional disorder and important organic pathology. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who debuted with vomiting as a guiding symptom of achalasia. Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder that causes retention of food in the distal segment of the esophagus due to a failure of peristalsis and a lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter after swallowing. Although it is an infrequent pathology, it is necessary to include it in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, requiring a high degree of suspicion for its diagnosis.