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

Brittany N Krekeler; Rebecca J Howell

doi:10.1007/s00405-024-08644-7

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

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 May 7. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08644-7. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Brittany N Krekeler^{1

2

3}, Rebecca J Howell⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA.
² Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA.
³ Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences, Cincinnati, USA.
⁴ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA. howellrb@ucmail.uc.edu.

PMID: 38714548
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08644-7

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.

Keywords: Cricopharyngeus; Laryngology; Swallowing; Treatment.

Publication types

Review