UPPER ESOPHAGEAL DILATION WITH BALLOON CATHETER FOR PATIENTS WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

• Published in: Japanese Journal of National Medical Services Vol. 59; no. 10; pp. 556 - 560
• Main Authors: UMAKI, Yoshifumi, NOZAKI, Sonoko, SHINNO, Susumu, TATARA, Katsunori, TANOUE, Emiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japanese Society of National Medical Services 20.10.2005
• Subjects: cricopharyngeal dysfunction; dysphagia; muscular dystrophy; upper esophageal dilation
• ISSN: 0021-1699; 1884-8729
• DOI: 10.11261/iryo1946.59.556

BACKGROUND: The management of dysphagia, a common complication of muscular dystrophy in children and adults, is currently not established. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the appropriate intervention for cricopharyngeal dysfunction of swallowing in patients with muscular dystrophy. SUBJECTS: The treatment of upper esophageal dilation by balloon catheter was performed on 8 patients (mean age 33 years; range 13 to 62 years), including 1 patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 1 with Becker muscular dystrophy, 3 with Fukuyama muscular dystrophy, 1 with non-Fukuyama muscular dystrophy and 2 with myotonic dystrophy. They were diagnosed as having upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction by videof luorography. METHOD: The patients underwent dilation by 12-14F Folly balloon catheter with 1-2 cc air. To examine the immediate effectiveness, videof luorography was performed before and soon after the dilatation. They underwent upper esophageal dilation with balloon catheter before every meal. RESULTS: The maximum diameter of the upper esophageal sphincter after dilation was 1.2-3.0 times that before dilation. The pharyngeal transit time was shortened in 5 patients and residue inpyriform was reduced in 3 patients. Six patients experienced relief of dysphagia and ate their meal faster than before the treatment. CONCLUSION: To clarify the effectiveness of upper esophageal sphincter dilatation by balloon catheter further studies are needed.