Videomanometry of the pharynx in dysphagic patients with a posterior cricopharyngeal indentation.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with a posterior indentation in the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) are generally considered to have an abnormality of the cricopharyngeal muscle (CPM). In this study we determined the actual width of the PES and the pressure circumstances during swallowing within the pharynx and PES in such patients.


METHODS
Simultaneous videofluoroscopy and solid state manometry, radiologic examination of the pharynx, PES, and cervical esophagus were performed in 16 dysphagic patients with a cricopharyngeal (CP) bar. In eight patients the indentation was 25-50%, and in eight it was more than 50% of the adjacent gullet. Sixteen dysphagic patients without a CP bar were used as control subjects. In each patient swallows of 10-ml barium bolus were recorded.


RESULTS
Patients with CP bars had a significantly wider PES above (p = .0005) and below (p = .02) the CPM, whereas the diameter at the level of the CPM was smaller only in the patients with more than 50% indentation compared with the patients without a CP bar. The contraction pressure above the CP bar (i.e., at the level of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor) was significantly (p = .002) weaker in patients with a CP bar (131 +/- 16 mm Hg) than in those without a CP bar (222 +/- 20 mm Hg).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings in patients with a posterior CP bar suggest that the major abnormality is weak constrictors with outpouching of the gullet above and below. Only in patients with more than 50% indentation was there a slight narrowing at the level of the CP bar. The CPM showed no manometric abnormalities in terms of resting pressure, relaxation, and contraction pressure. Therefore, the CPM is likely to relax and distend normally during swallowing in patients with a CP bar.
Olsson
R
R
Department of Radiology, University of Lund, Malmo University Hospital, Sweden.
Ekberg
O
O
D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014741:Video Recording