Roxanita
10-25-2004, 06:08 PM
A 45-year-old man has a 6-month history of burning pain that begins in the epigastric area and ascends into the chest. Episodes occur most frequently after large meals and at night. Endoscopic examination shows moderately severe inflammation in the distal 3 cm of the esophagus. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this condition?
A) Diffuse spasm of the esophageal musculature
B) Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax after a swallow
C) Helicobacter pylori infection
D) Hypersecretion of gastric acid
E) Inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
A) Diffuse spasm of the esophageal musculature
B) Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax after a swallow
C) Helicobacter pylori infection
D) Hypersecretion of gastric acid
E) Inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter