CRICOPHARYNGEAL DYSFUNCTION IN PARKINSONS-DISEASE - ROLE IN DYSPHAGIAAND RESPONSE TO MYOTOMY

We report five patients with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia who wer e found, by radiological and manometric evaluation, to have evidence o f cricopharyngeal dysfunction, which included the presence of a Zenker 's diverticulum in two. Cricopharyngeal myotomy was in four patients w ith excellent and sustained improvement in swallowing. We conclude tha t cricopharyngeal function should be carefully evaluated in patients w ith Parkinson's disease and dysphagia and that surgical treatment shou ld be considered in appropriate cases.