Pharyngoesophageal junction: C5-6 level
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Videofluoroscopic recording: Frontal, lateral, and oblique
Rapid sequence filmong required for demonstration
TOP DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES
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Cervical osteophytes (indentation)
Large anterior cervical osteophytes can impinge on pharyngoesophageal junction, simulating cricopharyngeal achalasia
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Esophageal tumor
Tumor at pharyngoesophageal junction may constrict lumen concentrically or eccentrically
PATHOLOGY
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Usually just “poor timing” of cricopharyngeal contraction
Due to “presbyesophagus” or other cause of dysmotility in most cases
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May occur as an isolated abnormality
