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Cricopharyngeal bar

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Work up for dysphagia.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male
Fluoroscopy

A smooth shelf like filling defect is present in the posterior aspect of the cervical esophagus at the level of C6, most consistent with prominent cricopharyngeus muscle, also known as the cricopharyngeal bar.

Case Discussion

The cricopharyngeal bar is usually asymptomatic. Some patients may complain of dysphagia, but a cricopharyngeal bar is rarely a cause. As a complication in a patient with long standing cricopharyngeal bar, increased upper esophageal pressure may result in a Zenker diverticulum.

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