Title: Cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) - Laryngopedia
Headings: Cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD)
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD)
Symptoms and treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction:
Photos:
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, before and after myotomy: Series of 2  photos
Very high-pitched voice elicits the same pharynx contraction as swallowing: Series of 4  photos
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, before and after myotomy: Series of 2  photos
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, with incipient Zenker’s: Series of 1  photo
Reflux into hypopharynx, characteristic of cricopharyngeal dysfunction: Series of 3  photos
Cricopharyngeus non-relaxation and Zenker's sac seen during VESS: Series of 4  photos

Content: The surgically divided muscle can no longer narrow the upper esophageal passageway, as seen by the widened stream of dark barium at the level of the muscle (arrows). Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, with incipient Zenker’s: Series of 1  photo
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, with incipient Zenker’s (1 of 1)
This patient with cricopharyngeal dysfunction is just beginning to form a Zenker’s pouch. Note that the cricopharyngeus muscle (light grey “thumb” at … read more
asterisk) is beginning to turn upwards and become more slender. The volume of barium below the dotted line is inside the incipient Zenker’s pouch. Over months or years, this pouch would stretch and develop into a true Zenker’s pouch. read less
Reflux into hypopharynx, characteristic of cricopharyngeal dysfunction: Series of 3  photos
Reflux into hypopharynx (1 of 3)
The patient has swallowing problems typical of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. This swallow study reinforces that impression as well as the likely presence of a Zenker's diverticulum. In … read more
this photo, blue-stained water has just been swallowed, and the vocal cords are beginning to open.