Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a common cause of dysphagia in patients with mtDNA deletions

To assess dysphagia, the authors examined 12 patients with Kearns-Sayre syn drome (KSS) or chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) due to m itochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion by videofluoroscopy and manometry. Cricop haryngeal achalasia was documented in nine of 12 patients (75%), whereas de glutitive coordination problems were found in one patient. Cricopharyngeal! myotomy may be an effective treatment in selected cases with severe cricop haryngeal obstruction.