Presentation
Dysphagia, vomiting.
Patient Data
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Lateral
Smooth, prominent impression of the cricopharyngeus muscle at the level of C5/6 results in a stenosis and jet of contrast. Anterior mucosal irregularity relates of a submucosal venous plexus often present at this level.
Case Discussion
- cricopharyngeal bars are relatively common on barium swallows
- mostly asymptomatic with dysphagia resulting from a different pathology (as in this case from thoracic esophageal dysmotlity)
- associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and Zenker's diverticulum