[Achalasia and elevated pressure at the cricopharyngeal sphincter: comments on a case]

A case of uncommon occurrence, such as the so called primary achalasia and hypertension of the cricopharyngeal sphincter is hereby described, as well as its successful treatment by means of an extramucous miotomy of the cricopharyngeal sphincter. The anatomy and physiology of the upper esophageal sphincter is described, as well as its pathogenesis. The published literature is also reviewed.