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Balloon dilatation of cricopharyngeal achalasia
1Mother and Child Health Institute of Serbia, Beograd, Yugoslavia.
Pediatric Radiology
|January 1, 1992
Insights
Cricopharyngeal achalasia in infants can cause swallowing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia. A single balloon dilatation effectively treated this condition, restoring normal feeding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Swallowing Disorders
Background:
- Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare condition affecting the upper esophageal sphincter.
- Infants may present with feeding difficulties, aspiration pneumonia, and failure to thrive.
- Diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for infant development.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old male infant presented with significant feeding issues.
- Symptoms included dysphagia, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, and failure to thrive.
- These symptoms were attributed to cricopharyngeal achalasia.
Findings:
- A single session of catheter balloon dilatation was performed.
- The infant achieved normal oral feeding post-procedure.
- No further aspiration events were observed after the intervention.
Implications:
- Catheter balloon dilatation is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for cricopharyngeal achalasia in infants.
- This intervention can rapidly resolve feeding problems and prevent further respiratory complications.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants.
Abstract:
A 6-month-old male infant with difficulty swallowing, recurrent aspiration pneumonia and failure to thrive was diagnosed with cricopharyngeal achalasia. Normal oral feeding and no further aspirations followed a single catheter balloon dilatation.