Globus pharyngeus and bone mineral density

Abstract

While globus pharyngeus is a common disorder, the cause of this anomaly remains unclear. Gastroesophageal reflux, cricopharyngeal spasm, and many other etiologies have been considered as possible causes. Some researchers believe that the disorder is probably multifactorial in origin. Patients with globus pharyngeus are usually female, and the majority of them are menopausal. These middle aged females often have a reduced bone mineral density. This study was undertaken to determine whether males and females with globus pharyngeus have a reduced bone mineral density. We studied 12 men and 17 women with globus pharyngeus who came to Tokai University, Isehara Kyodo Hospital and the Hagino E.N.T. Clinic between February 1992 and February 1994 and compared them to a control group of 12 males and 15 females. Each patient met the criteria for 'primary globus pharyngeus' (Bradley 1987) as determined by endoscopy and none of the patients showed any signs of inflammation, tumors, or gastroesophageal reflux. The second midcarpal bone mineral density of each subject was measured using a computed X-ray densitometer and analyzed using microdensitometry. Compared with control group, patients with globus pharyngeus had a lower bone mineral density in their second midcarpal bone. The sigma GS/D was significantly lower in the globus pharyngeus patients than in the control group (p < 0.01) and significantly lower in the female patients than in the female control group (p < 0.01). The GSmax was significantly lower in the patients than in the control group (p < 0.01) and significantly lower in the female patients than in the female control group (p < 0.01). The GSmin was significantly lower in the patients than in the control group (p < 0.01), significantly lower in the female patients than in the female control group (p < 0.01), and significantly lower in the male patients than in the male control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, globus pharyngeus appears to be related to a decrease in bone mineral density.