INVOLVEMENT OF THE ESOPHAGUS IN THE CRAMP-FASCICULATION SYNDROME

A 35-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of a cramp-fascicul ation syndrome, but also reported difficulties swallowing. Esophageal manometry showed spontaneous nonperistaltic contractions, pathological ly increased amplitudes and duration of the contractile complexes, and an asynchronous propagation. Electromyographic evidence of fasciculat ions in the sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscles was found. Appa rently all types of peripheral motor fibers can be involved in this he terogeneous syndrome, including cranial motor nerves, the vagal nerve, and enteric motor fibers of the gastrointestinal tract. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.