Premature closure of the upper esophageal sphincter as a cause of severe deglutition disorder in infancy

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Deglutition disorders in infancy are often associated with birth asphyxia or structural abnormalities in the hypopharynx, the trachea, or the esophagus. Manometry can be crucial for clarifying the dynamics of the swallowing disorder in the infant with deglutition problems and without signs of these causes. An 8-week-old infant was referred because of suspicion of cricopharyngeal achalasia causing persistent swallowing problems and failure to thrive. Manometry results showed normal resting tone and relaxation but premature closure of the upper esophageal sphincter. The infant was treated with balloon dilatation of the upper esophageal sphincter and expectance. A maturation process of the swallowing sequence was noted over time and documented by repeated manometric procedures.