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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Open Access 07-05-2024 | Dysphagia | Review Article

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction: a poorly defined disorder from diagnosis to treatment

Authors: Brittany N. Krekeler, Rebecca J. Howell

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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Abstract

Purpose

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common clinical occurrence with very few clear diagnostic criteria and multiple pathways for treatment. Incidence of CPMD is not known, but some data suggest around 25% of people with dysphagia experience some degree of CPMD, which negatively impacts swallowing safety and efficiency. Workup and treatment of CPMD can require multidisciplinary collaboration across laryngologists, speech-language pathologists with training in dysphagia management, and gastroenterologists. The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about CPMD and identify areas of future research in CPMD diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

An overview of CPMD, relative treatments and disorders, and a discussion of future areas of research needed to improve clinical care of CPMD.

Results

Details regarding historical background, pathophysiology and treatment practiced for CPMD are included.

Conclusion

In summary, CPMD is a poorly defined disease due to a lack of understanding of its pathophysiology and the lack of consensus diagnostic criteria. Well-designed, prospective clinical trials are necessary to develop a better understanding of clinical incidence of CPMD, impact of the disorder on oropharyngeal swallowing, and how to approach treatment of the disorder surgically or in conjunction with therapy directed by a specialized speech-language pathologist.
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Metadata
Title
Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction: a poorly defined disorder from diagnosis to treatment
Authors
Brittany N. Krekeler
Rebecca J. Howell
Publication date
07-05-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-024-08644-7