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 non-relaxing cricopharyngeus muscle (light-grey bulge outlined by a dotted line) is … read more
causing narrowing of the upper esophageal passageway, as highlighted by the narrowed stream of dark barium at that point (arrow). Liquids and very soft foods can squeak through this narrow opening, but solid foods tend to get stuck. read less
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction: after myotomy, resolved (2 of 2)
After myotomy. 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). Very high-pitched voice elicits the same pharynx contraction as swallowing: Series of 4  photos
Secretions (1 of 4)
This person has cricopharyngeus dysfunction--the "catcher" problem described in the teaching video "Swallowing Trouble 101." One small indication in the first glimpse of the throat area is the … read more
pooling of secretions (here, mucus) in an "organized" fashion in the swallowing crescent right behind the larynx. read less
Contracted pharynx (2 of 4)
As part of VESS part 1, assessment of the patient's swallowing "equipment," pharyngeal squeeze elicitation is always performed. Here the patient produces the highest pitch she can make on " … read more
EEEE!"