Title: Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD) - Laryngopedia
Headings: Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD)
Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD)
Photos of the cricopharyngeus muscle:
R-CPD and esophageal dilation: Series of 3  photos
Esophageal Findings: Series of 3  photos
Abdominal Distention of R-CPD: Series of 3  photos

Content: Notice that the mucosa is redundant, a common but not universal finding in R-CPD. (3 of 3)
Now the view is within the upper esophagus. It almost appears that the lumen is dilated, especially in a lateral direction (arrows). Purely speculatively, one wonders if constant forcing of air upwards again a … read more
barrier ( the non-relaxing cricopharynxgeus muscle, aka upper esophageal sphincter), dilates the esophagus over time. Certainly, many with R-CPD experience not only gurgling, but also chest pressure and even pain that may be from "stretching" of the esophagus. read less
Esophageal Findings: Series of 3  photos
Esophageal Findings (1 of 3)
A view of the mid-esophagus in a young person (early 30’s). The esophagus is kept open by the patient’s un-burped air. Note the “aortic shelf” at A, delineated by dotted lines
Esophageal Findings (2 of 3)
A moment later, additional air is pushed upwards from the stomach to dilate the mid-esophagus even more. A bony “spur” in the spine is thrown into high relief by the stretched esophagus.