J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2010 Jul;16(3):319-322.

A Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Presented as Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

• Noh EJ
• Park MI
• Park SJ
• Moon W
• Jung HJ

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare disease. It is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurons which leads to muscle weakness and muscle wasting. Respiratory failure limits survival to 2-5 years after disease onset. Several clinical manifestations including dysphagia can result in reductions in both the quality of life and life expectancy. Dysphagia occurs at onset in about one third of case, although generally it occurs in later stage of the disease. Evaluation of dysphagia includes video-fluoroscopic swallow study, radiological esophagogram, flexible endoscopic examination, ultrasound examination, conventional manometry and electromyography. We report a case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a 54-year-old man presenting oropharyngeal dysphagia which was diagnosed by high resolution esophageal manometry presenting abnormality of the upper esophageal sphincter.

Keyword

Oropharyngeal dysphagia; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; High resolution manometry

MeSH Terms

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Deglutition Disorders
Electromyography
Esophageal Sphincter, Upper
Humans
Life Expectancy
Manometry
Middle Aged
Motor Neurons
Muscle Weakness
Muscles
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Paralysis
Quality of Life
Rare Diseases
Respiratory Insufficiency