Cricopharyngeal achalasia (CA) is a rarely reported entity.
1st-case: 40y woman with chronic cervical dysphagia: gastroscopy, barium transit(BT), high-resolution
manometry(HRM), ultrasound, CT compatible with CA. During gastroscopy for CA myotomy(C-POEM),
an upper pulsating compression was observed. Angio-CT diagnosed lusoria dysphagia.
2nd-case: 83y with upper dysphagia and microaspirations. BT, HRM, Angio-CT, Videoradiology
CA compatible. Patient only accepted botulinum toxin, worsening symptomatology. Finally
patient agreed C-POEM. After tunneling without a cap due to the limited space, myotomy
of the cricopharyngeal bar was performed. Immediate symptomatic improvement from the
first day.
CA without Zenker’s diverticulum requires a careful diagnosis. Endoscopic treatment
is feasible.
Citation: Albeniz E, Estremera F, Zabalza L et al. eP37 C-POEM IN ACHALASIA OF THE CRICOPHARYNX:
TO DO OR NOT TO DO. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S109.
