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Cricopharyngeal Achalasia

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Principles of Deglutition

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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA

    Benson T. Massey MD, FACP

Authors
  1. Benson T. Massey MD, FACP
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Correspondence to Benson T. Massey MD, FACP .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Div. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, West Wisconsin Avenue 9200, Milwaukee, 53226, Wisconsin, USA

    Reza Shaker

  2. , Dpt Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surg., UC Davis Medical Center, Stockton Blvd. 2521, Sacramento, 95817, California, USA

    Peter C. Belafsky

  3. Ctr for Voice, Airway & Swallowing Disor, Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Health Sciences University, 15th Street 1120, Augusta, 30912, Georgia, USA

    Gregory N. Postma

  4. , Dpt of Communication Sciences & Disorder, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, East Hartford Ave 2400, Milwaukee, 53201, Wisconsin, USA

    Caryn Easterling

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Massey, B.T. (2013). Cricopharyngeal Achalasia. In: Shaker, R., Belafsky, P., Postma, G., Easterling, C. (eds) Principles of Deglutition. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_37

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-3793-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-3794-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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