Inflammatory myopathy causing pharyngeal dysphagia: a new entity

Detecting myositis as a cause of unexplained dysphagia: Proposal for a diagnostic algorithm

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) can present with dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. In such cases, diagnostic evaluation may be difficult, especially if serological and electromyographical findings are unsuspicious. In this observational study we propose and evaluate a diagnostic algorithm to identify IIM as a cause of unexplained dysphagia.

METHODS

Over a period of 4 years, patients with unexplained dysphagia were offered diagnostic evaluation according to a specific algorithm: The pattern of dysphagia was characterized by instrumental assessment (swallowing endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, high-resolution manometry). Patients with an IIM-compatible dysphagia pattern were subjected to further IIM-focused diagnostic procedures, including whole-body muscle magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, creatine kinase blood level, IIM antibody panel and, as a final diagnostic step, muscle biopsy. Muscle biopsies were taken from affected muscles. In cases where no other muscles showed abnormalities, the cricopharyngeal muscle was targeted.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients presented with IIM-compatible dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. As a result of the specific diagnostic approach, 19 of these patients were diagnosed with IIM according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Eighteen patients received immunomodulatory therapy as a result of the diagnosis. Of 10 patients with follow-up swallowing examination, dysphagia improved in three patients after therapy, while it remained at least stable in six patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy constitutes a potentially treatable etiology in patients with unexplained dysphagia. The diagnostic algorithm presented in this study helps to identify patients with an IIM-compatible dysphagia pattern and to assign those patients for further IIM-focused diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Cricopharyngeal bar and dermatomyositis: A cause of rapidly progressive dysphagia

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are immune-mediated conditions that affect striated muscle, and are frequently associated with dysphagia. Dysphagia in these cases can be due to weakness of the muscles involved in swallowing or the presence of restrictive pharyngeal defects, such as cricopharyngeal bars. Treatment of dysphagia in IIM revolves around immunosuppressive therapies, and procedures to disrupt cricopharyngeus muscle when immunosuppressive therapies are unsuccessful.

CASE REPORT

A 73-year-old female presented with rapidly progressive proximal muscle weakness and dysphagia to the point she could not swallow liquids or solids. She had a rash over the extensor surfaces of the limbs, and periorbital-edema. Her creatine kinase was elevated, and skin biopsy showed an interface inflammatory reaction; however, myositis line assay revealed no autoantibodies, and a muscle biopsy was unremarkable. She was diagnosed with dermatomyositis with life-threatening dysphagia, and was admitted to our institution and treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate and intravenous immunoglobulin. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study revealed a large esophageal protrusion at the level of C5-C6, which was thought to be consistent with a cricopharyngeal bar, with large boluses unable to pass, leading to aspiration. After 10 weeks of treatment, the cricopharyngeal bar remained present, but swallowing had improved to the point that she was successfully swallowing all consistencies.

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia associated with IIM can be multifactorial, and can be due to the involvement of the muscles of swallowing in the inflammatory process, or due to restrictive pharyngeal defects, and determination of the cause of dysphagia can assist with management.

Clinical Assessment of Gastrointestinal Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the potential to affect any component of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI involvement in SSc is a leading cause of morbidity and overall decreased quality of life in this patient population, identifying a need for a concise approach to work-up. This literature review aims to present a systematic, anatomical approach and differential diagnosis of GI involvement in SSc for the general internist and rheumatologist. Each component of the luminal GI tract has its own specified section, beginning with a review of a clinical approach to diagnosis that includes a differential for clinicians to consider, followed by a discussion of the literature surrounding objective evaluation of these conditions (i.e. serologic studies, imaging, endoscopy). Additionally there is a focused discussion on an approach to GI bleeding in the patient with SSc.

Cricopharyngeal bar on videofluoroscopy: high specificity for inclusion body myositis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the cricopharyngeal bar (CPB), defined as marked protrusion with lacking relaxation and stricture of the upper esophageal sphincter on videofluoroscopy, in patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM).

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of comprehensive series of adult healthy individuals and consecutive patients with neuropsychiatric disorders aged over 45 (52 versus 2486). A standard videofluoroscopy was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 47 individuals with CPB were identified. Of the individuals with CPB, 36% were IBM followed by neurodegenerative disorders, muscular disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and others (32%, 21%, 2.1%, and 8.5%, respectively), indicating the heterogeneity of the etiologies. Against muscular disorders, the sensitivity and specificity of the CPB for IBM were 33% (= 17/52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20-45%) and 96% (= 264/274; 95% CI, 94-99%), respectively. IBM with CPB showed a higher frequency of obstruction-related dysphagia (88% versus 22%, p < 0.001) and severe CPB (76% versus 23%, p < 0.001) than the control with one. The ratio of the upper esophageal distance at the maximum distension at the level of C6 to that of C4 was lower in IBM with CPB than in the controls with one (0.50 versus 0.77, p < 0.001), which suggests the insufficient opening of the upper esophageal sphincter.

CONCLUSION

A CPB could be indicative of IBM. The upper esophagus in IBM with CPB became narrow, like a bottleneck. We provide new perspectives of dysphagia diagnosis by videofluoroscopy, especially for IBM-associated dysphagia, to expand the knowledge on the CPB.

Impact and Management of Dysphagia in Inflammatory Myopathies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Dysphagia is a common symptom in inflammatory myopathies. This review provides an overview on the epidemiology, clinical impact, and management of dysphagia in myositis. Relevant diagnostic tools and treatment strategies are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Dysphagia can occur in any inflammatory myopathy, particularly in inclusion body myositis (IBM). It can lead to malnutrition or aspiration with subsequent pneumonia or even death. Dysphagia can be explored and monitored by patient-reported outcome scales for swallowing. New diagnostic tools such as real-time MRI and oro-pharyngo-esophageal scintigraphy have been studied for assessing dysphagia. Botulinum toxin injection can alleviate dysphagia in IBM. High-dose glucocorticosteroids are considered a first-line treatment for dysphagia in all other myositis subforms. Evaluation of dysphagia in myositis requires thorough clinical workup and appropriate instrumental procedures. Treatment options are available for dysphagia, but controlled trials and consensus on best patient care are required for this important symptom.

The Impact of Dysphagia in Myositis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Dysphagia is a clinical hallmark and part of the current American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) diagnostic criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). However, the data on dysphagia in IIM are heterogenous and partly conflicting. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on epidemiology, pathophysiology, outcome and therapy and a meta-analysis on the prevalence of dysphagia in IIM. (2) Methods: Medline was systematically searched for all relevant articles. A random effect model was chosen to estimate the pooled prevalence of dysphagia in the overall cohort of patients with IIM and in different subgroups. (3) Results: 234 studies were included in the review and 116 (10,382 subjects) in the meta-analysis. Dysphagia can occur as initial or sole symptom. The overall pooled prevalence estimate in IIM was 36% and with 56% particularly high in inclusion body myositis. The prevalence estimate was significantly higher in patients with cancer-associated myositis and with NXP2 autoantibodies. Dysphagia is caused by inflammatory involvement of the swallowing muscles, which can lead to reduced pharyngeal contractility, cricopharyngeal dysfunction, reduced laryngeal elevation and hypomotility of the esophagus. Swallowing disorders not only impair the quality of life but can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, thus increasing mortality. Beneficial treatment approaches reported include immunomodulatory therapy, the treatment of associated malignant diseases or interventional procedures targeting the cricopharyngeal muscle such as myotomy, dilatation or botulinum toxin injections. (4) Conclusion: Dysphagia should be included as a therapeutic target, especially in the outlined high-risk groups.

Dysphagia in Patients with Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis: Management Challenges

Dysphagia in inclusion body myositis (IBM) is common and associated with increased mortality and morbidity due to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition and dehydration. There is currently no consensus on treatment of dysphagia in IBM and outcomes are variable depending on timing of intervention, patient preference and available expertise. There is a paucity of research exploring the pathophysiology of dysphagia in IBM and appropriate investigations. Increased knowledge of the aetiopathogenesis is likely to change the approach to treatment as well as improve the quality of life for patients. This review explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology of dysphagia in IBM and the currently available treatment strategies.

Dysphagia as Isolated Manifestation of Jo-1 Associated Myositis?

Dysphagia can be predominant or sole symptom of myositis. However, diagnostic evaluation is difficult in such cases. Here, we present evidence for dysphagia as sole manifestation of Jo-1 associated myositis. A 77-year-old patient suffering from isolated dysphagia was assessed by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, videofluoroscopy, high resolution esophageal manometry, whole body muscle MRI, electroneurographic and electromyographic examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, screening for autoantibodies, and body plethysmography. We detected isolated oropharyngeal dysphagia including a decreased pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter leading to cachexia in an anti-Jo-1 positive patient without any abnormalities in the other diagnostics. Immunosuppressive therapy with cortisone and azathioprine led to long-term improvement of dysphagia. This is the first report of isolated dysphagia as manifestation of Jo-1 associated myositis. Therefore, Jo-1 associated myositis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis for isolated dysphagia. Typical signs for myositis in instrumental dysphagia assessment are presented.

Videofluoroscopic Findings in Dysphagic Patients with Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: Before and after Open Cricopharyngeal Myotomy

Objectives:

Functional outcomes after open cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) and cricopharyngeal dysfunction without diverticulum (CPD) have not been uniformly measured by videofluorographic swallow study (VFSS). Here we characterize preoperative VFSS findings in these groups and evaluate the effect of CPM on swallowing via postoperative VFSS.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of paired preoperative and postoperative VFSS results from 50 patients (36 with ZD and 14 with CPD) over 6 years. Semiquantitative scales were used to assess 1) degree of stasis in the pharyngeal recesses; 2) degree of narrowing at the pharyngoesophageal sphincter (PES); 3) aspiration; and 4) diverticular size. Findings were compared between the groups and across subjects.

Results:

Pharyngeal stasis was more severe in subjects with CPD than in subjects with ZD, both before and after CPM (p = .02 and p = .0002, respectively). The CPM improved PES narrowing in both groups (p = .03; p = .06) and reduced diverticular size in the ZD group (p < .001), but it did not significantly reduce the stasis severity or the proportion of patients with aspiration.

Conclusions:

According to VFSS, CPM opens up the PES and decreases diverticular size. More severe stasis in CPD suggests that diffuse pharyngeal weakness may play a role in this disease, and may partially explain the variable post-CPM outcomes that have been observed in CPD.

Isolated dysphagia unmasking bulbar neurosarcoidosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis

Dysphagia is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis. It is more commonly the result of esophageal compression by enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes rather than direct esophageal involvement and rarely secondary to neurosarcoidosis and oropharyngeal dysphagia. We report a 54 year old female presenting with a six month history of worsening dysphagia. She denied respiratory symptoms. Physical exam was normal. ESR was 61 mm/hr. Serum ACE level was 65 mcg/L. Chest X-ray was normal. Esophagram revealed a large amount of contrast pooling in pharyngeal recesses with intermittent laryngeal aspiration. Swallow videofluorography showed a decreased retraction of the base of the tongue, limited laryngeal elevation, and a large amount of contrast pooling in pharyngeal recesses with intermittent laryngeal aspiration. EGD showed a normal opening of the upper esophageal sphincter and the cricopharyngeus appeared normal. Proximal esophageal biopsies were normal. Brain MRI with gadolinium was normal. Lumbar puncture was performed. CSF showed a moderate pleocytosis, a WBC count of 19 with 97% lymphocytes, an elevated total protein level of 85 mg/dl (15-60). Neck CT scan showed no oropharyngeal tissue thickening or infiltration, no masses or enlarged lymph nodes. Chest CT scan showed enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes and no esophageal compression. Bronchoscopy showed the vocal cords to be intact, and the CD4/CD8 ratio in BAL was 5.3. Subcarinal lymph node EBUS biopsy revealed non caseating granulomas. The patient was started on IV methylprednisolone. Three days later, the swallow videofluorography showed a near complete response to steroids. The patient tolerated regular consistency diet with thin liquids, and she was discharged on a slow taper of prednisone over a period of three months. A unique case of isolated dysphagia unmasking bulbar neurosarcoidosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis is herein reported.

A dysphagia study in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (s-IBM)

The nature of the swallowing impairment in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (s-IBM) has not been well characterized. In this study, we examined ten consecutive s-IBM patients using videofluoroscopy (VF) and computed pharyngoesophageal manometry (CPM). The patients were divided into two groups: patients with complaint and without complaint of dysphagia. VF results indicated pharyngeal muscle propulsion (PP) at the hypopharyngeal and upper esophagus sphincter (UES) in all s-IBM patients. Patients without complaint of dysphagia showed a mild degree of PP, whereas a severe form of PP was observed in patients with complaint of dysphagia. CPM revealed that negative pressure during UES opening was not observed in the s-IBM patients with complaint of dysphagia. Incomplete opening and PP at the UES were observed in all s-IBM patients. These results indicate that the dysphagic processes occur subclinically in s-IBM patients who may not report swallowing impairments.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy for primary cricopharyngeal dysfunction caused by a structural abnormality localized in the cricopharyngeus muscle: report of a case

Primary cricopharyngeal dysfunction (PCD) is a rare idiopathic disorder of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), characterized by oropharyngeal dysphagia, frequent aspiration, and narrowing at the level of the UES. Cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) has been used to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia of different causes including anatomic, neuromuscular, iatrogenic, inflammatory, neoplastic, and idiopathic; however, the indications for CPM and predictors of its outcome are not clearly defined. We report a case of PCD with hypertonic UES caused by a structural abnormality localized in the cricopharyngeus muscle, visualized as a cricopharyngeal bar, which we treated successfully by CPM, achieving long-term relief.

Anatomic-manometric correlation of the upper esophageal sphincter: a concurrent US and manometry study

BACKGROUND

The pharyngoesophageal segment commonly referred to as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) generates a high-pressure zone (HPZ) between the pharynx and the esophagus. However, the exact anatomical components of the UES-HPZ remain incompletely determined.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically define the US signature of various components of the pharyngoesophageal junction and to determine how these structures contribute to the development of the UES-HPZ.

DESIGN

Prospective, experimental study.

SETTING

Tertiary Academic Medical Center.

PATIENTS

This study involved 18 healthy volunteers.

INTERVENTION

We studied 5 participants by using a high-frequency US miniprobe (US-MP) and concurrent fluoroscopy and another 13 participants by using the US-MP and concurrent manometry.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Relative contribution of various muscles in the UES-HPZ.

RESULTS

Manometrically, the UES-HPZ had a median length of 4.0 cm (range 3.0-4.5 cm). A C-shaped muscle, believed to represent the cricopharyngeus muscle, was observed for a median length of 3.5 cm (range 2.0-4.0 cm). The oval configuration representing the esophageal contribution to the UES was seen in 10 of 13 participants (77%) at the distal HPZ (esophagus to UES transition zone). The flat configuration of the inferior constrictor muscle was noted in 7 of 13 participants (54%) at the proximal HPZ (UES to pharynx transition zone). There were 4 to 5 wall layers versus 3 layers in the distal and proximal HPZ, respectively. The mean (+/- SD) muscle thickness was relatively constant along the length of the UES-HPZ.

LIMITATIONS

Air artifacts in the UES-HPZ.

CONCLUSION

The configuration and layers of the UES-HPZ vary along its length. The upper esophagus is a significant contributor to the distal UES-HPZ.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia

Although the aging process per se can produce measurable changes in the normal oropharyngeal swallow, these changes alone are rarely sufficient to cause clinically apparent dysphagia. The causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the elderly are predominantly neuromyogenic, with the most common cause being stroke. The evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the elderly involves early exclusion of structural abnormalities, detection of aspiration by videofluoroscopy which might dictate early introduction of nonoral feeding, and exclusion of underlying systemic and neuromyogenic causes that have specific therapies in their own right. Such conditions include Parkinson disease, myositis, myasthenia, and thyrotoxicosis. Management is best delivered by a multidisciplinary team involving physician, speech pathologist, nutritionist and, at times, a surgeon.

Detecting dysphagia in inclusion body myositis

Dysphagia is an important yet inconsistently recognized symptom of inclusion body myositis (IBM). It can be disabling and potentially life-threatening. We studied the prevalence and symptom-sign correlation of dysphagia. Fifty-seven IBM patients were interviewed using a standard questionnaire for dysphagia and 43 of these underwent swallowing videofluoroscopy (VFS). Symptoms of dysphagia were present in 37 of 57 patients (65%). Nevertheless, only 17 of these patients (46%) had previously and spontaneously complained about swallowing to their physicians. Both symptoms of impaired propulsion (IP) (59%) and aspiration-related symptoms (52%) were frequently mentioned. Swallowing abnormalities on VFS were present in 34 of 43 patients (79%) with IP of the bolus in 77% of this group. The reported feeling of IP was confirmed by VFS in 92% of these patients. Dysphagia in IBM is common but underreported by the vast majority of patients if not specifically asked for. In practice, two questions reliably predict the presence of IP on VFS: ‘Does food get stuck in your throat’ and ‘Do you have to swallow repeatedly in order to get rid of food’. These questions are an appropriate means in selecting IBM patients for further investigation through VFS and eventual treatment.

Dysphagia in stroke and neurologic disease

Dysphagia is a common problem in neurologic disease. The authors describe rates of dysphagia in selected neurologic diseases, and the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia in this population. Applicable physiology and aspects of neural control are reviewed. The decision-making process to determine oral feeding versus alternative means of alimentation is examined.

Dysphagia in inflammatory myopathy: clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcome in 62 patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001.

RESULTS

A total of 783 patients were diagnosed as having inflammatory myopathy during the 5-year study period. Of these, 62 patients (41 women and 21 men; mean age, 68.6 years) had inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia: 26 with inclusion body myositis (IBM), 18 with dermatomyositis, 9 with polymyositis, and 9 with overlap syndrome. Dysphagia was a presenting symptom in 13 patients (21%), with the highest incidence in the IBM group. Videofluoroscopic examinations revealed pharyngeal pooling and impaired oropharyngeal and cricopharyngeal function. The benefits of swallowing compensation techniques and exercises were difficult to establish. Interventional procedures were performed in 24 patients (39%) and most frequently (62%) in patients with IBM, with cricopharyngeal myotomy being most beneficial. Patients with IBM had the least symptomatic improvement. Overall, 11 patients died during the median follow-up of 38 months, with respiratory failure due to aspiration pneumonia as the most common cause. Mortality was high in patients who required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (7/11, 64%), and 1- year mortality was highest (31%) in those with dermatomyositis.

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia is a serious and at times presenting problem in patients with inflammatory myopathy. It occurs most frequently and appears to be most refractory in patients with IBM. The mortality rate was high in patients who required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and the 1-year mortality rate was the highest in patients with dermatomyositis.

Evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders

Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing. The precise incidence of dysphagia is unknown because it is a frequently underdiagnosed condition. Recently, more attention has been paid to accurate evaluation and treatment of patients with this disorder.