Dysphagia induced by chronic ingestion of benzodiazepine.
We report a case of a 57-yr-old woman with a complaint of dysphagia of 2-wk duration. She had rheumatoid arthritis and had been taking 10 mg of prednisone and 2 mg of lorazepam daily for 2 yr. Radiologic examination showed partial retention of barium sulfate in the pharynx, which was confirmed by scintigraphic examination of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. This retention was about 47% of the volume swallowed. The benzodiazepine was withdrawn, and 2 wk later she had no symptoms. We repeated the scintigraphic study, and it showed no retention. We conclude that chronic ingestion of benzodiazepine may cause dysphagia.
Dantas
R O
RO
Departamento de Clínica Médica da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Nobre Souza
M A
MA
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D008140:Lorazepam