Oropharyngeal dysphagia in early stages of myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder characterized mainly by skeletal muscle alterations. Although oropharyngeal dysphagia is a prominent clinical feature of DM1, it remains poorly studied in its early disease stages.

Dysphagia was investigated in 11 presymptomatic DM1 carriers, 14 patients with DM1 and 12 age-matched healthy controls, by using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and clinical scores.

Scores for the FEES variables, delayed pharyngeal reflex, posterior pooling, and postswallow residue were significantly greater in patients with DM1 and in presymptomatic DM1 carriers than in healthy controls (P < 0.05); oropharyngeal dysfunction was more severe in patients than in presymptomatic carriers. Penetration/aspiration was found altered exclusively in patients with DM1 (P < 0.05).

Swallowing dysfunction occurs in presymptomatic DM1 carriers. Timely diagnosis of dysphagia in preclinical stages of the disease will aid in the timely management of presymptomatic carriers, potentially preventing medical complications. Muscle Nerve, 2019.