Cricopharyngeal Achalasia Responsive to Balloon Dilation in an Infant

Abstract

This report describes an infant with vomiting and significant weight loss attributable to cricopharyngeal achalasia, a rare finding in children. The infant responded to balloon dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter, with resolution of symptoms and return to presymptomatic growth parameters. A brief description of the clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options for cricopharyngeal achalasia is included.

Primary cricopharyngeal achalasia in a newborn treated by balloon dilatation: A case report and review of the literature

“…This procedure may give permanent relief of obstruction by stretching muscle fibers with no recurrence of spasm. Although the initial coordination defect is not cured, long-term success has been reported such as in our case [2,6].…”

“…The efficacy of these treatment methods has not been compared in any series. The longterm success of dilatation as a treatment has been detailed in several reports but many of them were bougienage trials [2,[4][5][6].…”

Congenital cricopharyngeal achalasia in a 4.5-year-old managed by cervical myotomy: A case report

“…Balloon dilatation has been proven to be a common and safe first-line treatment in infants and small children with CCA [6,[8][9][10][11]. However, many cases have reported recurrence of dysphagia within months after the procedure [11,12], as was the case with our patient.…”

“…For example, in many patients, including ours, the symptoms did not improve with growth. Also, several cases have been reported where achalasia did not begin until several months after birth [5,6]. Thus previous ideas that CCA is a transient disorder due to immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract are most likely incorrect.…”

Balloon Dilation in Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis Patients with Dysphagia

“…Balloon dilation has been performed in patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia due to Wallenberg syndrome, 11 and in newborns with primary cricopharyngeal achalasia. 12,13 Prior to balloon dilation, it was difficult for the three s-IBM patients to eat even halfsolid meals. The UES opening was impaired and aspiration due to an influx of food residue in the piriform recess was confirmed.…”