Etiology, Clinical Presentation, and Management of Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

ImportanceThe retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is an emerging topic in otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and primary care.ObjectiveTo review the current literature about the etiology, clinical presentation, and management of retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD).DesignSystematic review.SettingThree investigators conducted the PubMED, Scopus, and Cochrane Library review of the literature related to the etiologies and management of patients with R-CPD through the PRISMA statements.ParticipantsStudies that incorporated R-CPD patients.InterventionsIn-office, or operating room botulinum toxin injection, or no treatment.Main outcome measuresEtiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcomes.ResultsSeventeen studies met the inclusion criteria (826 patients). A family history was reported in 28.0% of cases with most patients developing R-CDP symptoms in childhood (55.5%). In addition to the cardinal symptom of the inability to belch, associated complaints of bloating and chest pain, gurgling noises, and excessive flatulence were found in 95.7%, 86%, and 80.2% of cases, respectively.The diagnosis was recognized by patients themselves in 78.9% of cases. The immediate success rate of botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeal sphincter in facilitating burping was 92.5%. Recurrence occurred in the first month of follow-up in 9.5% of cases, whereas 12.6% and 27.9% of patients had recurrence during the 1-5 months and more than 6 months posttreatment, respectively. Transient dysphagia is the most prevalent complication after botulinum toxin injection (31.1%). The heterogeneity was high across studies, limiting the establishment of further combined analyses.Conclusion and relevanceR-CPD is a recently-recognized and likely-underdiagnosed condition associated with severe symptoms affecting the quality of life of patients. Future studies are needed to elucidate the etiology of this condition, develop adequate patient-reported outcome questionnaires for the baseline and follow-up evaluations of symptoms, and propose therapeutic consensus.