BACKGROUND: Jackhammer esophagus is a rare esophageal motility disorder that can 
result in dysphagia, chest pain, and gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms. 
High-resolution manometry is the gold standard for diagnosis, while corkscrew 
esophagus on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an uncommon manifestation.
CASE PRESENTATION: 72-year-old man who presented with progressive dysphagia for 
three months without symptoms of chest pain or heartburn. Initial workup showed 
a corkscrew esophagus on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; subsequently, 
high-resolution manometry revealed an esophago-gastric junction outflow 
obstruction with hypercontractile (jackhammer) esophagus. Treatment with calcium 
channel blockers and proton pump inhibitors was successful and relieved his 
symptoms near completion.
CONCLUSIONS: Even though the corkscrew esophagus is typically for distal 
esophageal spasm, the hypercontractile (jackhammer) esophagus can appear. The 
high-resolution manometry can help to distinguish each specific motility 
disorder.