J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2009 Jun;13(2):95-100.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation for the Treatment of Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction with Dysphagia

• Cha DY
• Yang HS
• Noh JY
• Park YO
• Kim SH
• Kim WT

Abstract

Primary cricopharyngeal dysfunction is a rare, idiopathic, functional disorder of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) characterized by dysphagia, frequent aspiration, and functional narrowing at the level of UES. It is caused by failure or partial relaxation of the sphincter, lack of pharyngoesophageal coordination, or reduced compliance of the muscular of the UES. We saw a 62-year-old man who presented with dysphagia and UES narrowing on videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS). Physical, neurologic, and laboratory evaluations revealed no abnormal findings. Radiologic evaluation looking for any abnormalities that might provoke dysphagia was within normal limits. VFSS showed laryngeal aspiration, residue in vallecular and pyriform sinuses, and cricopharyngeal narrowing. Balloon catheter dilatation under endoscopic guidance was performed twice, after which, the dysphagia improved. Here, we describe the results of treatment with balloon dilatation in a patient with primary cricopharyngeal dysfunction.

Keyword

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction; Balloon dilatation; Deglutition disorders

MeSH Terms

Catheters
Compliance
Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders
Dilatation
Esophageal Sphincter, Upper
Humans
Middle Aged
Pyriform Sinus
Relaxation