Table 1. General characteristics of patients with achalasia and controls.

Male/female patients	4/8 (33% male)
Mean age, y	58.5 ± 15.7
Males	55.8 ± 16.3
Females	60.5 ± 16
Age at diagnosis, y	56.1 ± 18.1
LES basal pressure, mm Hg	38.8 ± 14.4
Duration of symptoms before diagnosis, y
≤1	6
>1	6
Dysphagia, n (%)	12 (100%)
Esophageal regurgitation, n (%)	12 (100%)
Chest pain, n (%)	0
Weight loss
>5 kg (%)	6 (50%)
<5 kg (%)	6 (50%)
Male/female controls	5/0 (100% M)
Mean age, y	66.6 ± 10

Values are expressed as means ± SD.

LES, lower esophageal sphincter.