Evaluating the Reliability and Construct Validity of the Eckardt Symptom Score as a Measure of Achalasia Severity

摘要

IntroductionAchalasia is a disease of mechanical esophageal dysfunction characterized by dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, and malnutrition. The Eckardt Symptom Score (ESS) is the gold standard self-report assessment tool. Current guidelines outline a three-step approach to patient reported outcomes measure design. Developed prior to these policies, the ESS has not undergone rigorous testing of its reliability and validity.