Pharyngoesophageal interrelationships: observations and working concepts

Gastrointest Radiol. 1985;10(3):225-33. doi: 10.1007/BF01893105.

Abstract

Simultaneous disorders of the pharynx and esophagus are so frequent that the complete swallowing chain should be examined in all patients with dysphagia. Data are presented to support the concept that such simultaneous disorders represent related phenomena; the mechanism involves changes in cricopharyngeal function seen radiographically as cricopharyngeal prominence. If neurologic disease has been excluded, cricopharyngeal prominence may be the clue to esophageal disease. When cricopharyngeal prominence is found during dynamic imaging of the pharynx, intensive examination of the esophagus and a search for signs of compensation or decompensation in the pharynx should be undertaken.

MeSH terms

  • Cineradiography
  • Deglutition
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / complications
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Esophagus / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophagus / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Manometry
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / complications
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Pharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Pharynx / physiopathology*