Efficacy of botulinum toxin A for treatment of upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA)-induced chemodenervation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in patients with dysphagia and UES dysfunction.


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial in 10 selected patients with pure UES dysfunction.


METHODS
In each patient 30 units of BTA were injected into the UES under brief general anesthesia. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VSS) was done and a clinical symptom score was determined before and after treatment.


RESULTS
On VSS relative opening of the UES improved in all patients (mean +/- SD: 47 +/- 14% before versus 71 +/- 24% after treatment; P < .01). Hypopharyngeal retention or laryngeal penetration of barium was significantly reduced in four of seven patients. Clinical symptom scores improved in all patients. One patient was free of symptoms, mild dysphagia persisted in six patients, and moderate dysphagia persisted in three patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the use of BTA in selected patients with pure UES dysfunction. Its efficacy is limited by the possibility of a persistent structural stenosis of the UES and the risk of BTA diffusion into the larynx or hypopharynx.
Alberty
J
J
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Münster, Germany. alberty.hno@uni-muenster.de
Oelerich
M
M
Ludwig
K
K
Hartmann
S
S
Stoll
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A