Cricopharyngeal achalasia

Abstract

Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a disorder characterized by an abnormal-pattern of deglutitive inhibition of tone in the cricopharyngeus muscle. The condition is distinct from abnormalities of the normal relaxation response to esophageal air distension (termed here cricopharyngismus) and elevated resting tone. Diverse etiologies may cause the disorder, and a sequence of tests is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Guidance on treatment options is limited due to the lack of controlled trials for the disorder as well as concern about accuracy of the diagnosis in prior publications.