Abstract
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation primarily on the striated muscle as well as a skin rash. Involvement of the pharyngolaryngeal muscles causes swallowing and articulatory disorders. A 74-year-old male with mild dysphagia was diagnosed as DM and hospitalized to undergo steroid therapy. During hospitalization, he was referred to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with complaints of left hearing loss. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was found in his epipharyngeal region (T2N1M0) and treated using chemoradiation therapy. After the treatment, his dysphagia became worse. A videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing was performed to evaluate his swallowing function and revealed a stretch disorder at the esophageal orifice. A balloon catheter was applied through the nose to dilate the cricopharyngeal sphincter. The position of the balloon was confirmed using endoscopy. The cricopharyngeal sphincter was successfully dilated by the balloon method. It was safe to perform the balloon method for the chronic stage of cricopharyngeal dysphagia using endoscopy. As a conservative therapy, the balloon method should be employed before surgery.
