Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
08:32
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
[Cricopharyngeal bar and Dysphagia]
1Klinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany. k uehn.daniela@mh-hannover.de
Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|December 20, 2012
Summary
Cricopharyngeal bars (CPB) are often incidental findings during swallowing exams. Severe CPBs may relate to dysphagia, with treatments including myotomy or endoscopic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Swallowing Disorders
Background:
- Cricopharyngeal bar (CPB) is a posterior indentation at the pharyngoesophageal junction.
- CPB is identified during a Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Exam (VFSE), also known as a modified barium swallow.
- The impact of CPBs on swallowing function remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the appearance, effects, and therapeutic interventions for cricopharyngeal bars (CPBs).
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed.
- The research focused on studies detailing the characteristics and management of CPBs.
Main Results:
- CPBs are frequently diagnosed during VFSE, often in patients presenting with dysphagia.
- However, CPBs can also be present in individuals without dysphagia, indicating they are not always causative.
- The severity of the protrusion and the condition of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle may influence the effect of CPBs on swallowing.
Conclusions:
- CPBs often appear as incidental findings during modified barium swallow examinations.
- A definitive link to dysphagia is typically associated only with severe cases of CPB.
- Treatment options for symptomatic CPBs include cricopharyngeal myotomy or endoscopic interventions like bougie or balloon dilation.
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