Abstract
The major complication in the acute form of infantile spinal muscular atrophy is the aspiration phenomenon, due to the pharyngo-laryngeal deficit. The radiographic findings of this deficit are characterized by epipharyngeal regurgitation, hypopharyngeal distention, good function of the cricopharyngeal sphincter and absence of epiglottic closure during the act of deglutition. The differential diagnosis of other neuromuscular entities is discussed in view of two documented radiographic cases.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Byers RK, Banker BO (1961) Infantile muscular atrophy. Arch Neurol 5: 140
Cunningham M, Stocks J (1970) Werdnig-Hoffmann disease. Arch Dis Child 53: 921
Donner MW (1974) Swallowing mechanism and neuromuscular disorders. Semin Roentgenol 9: 273
Dubowitz V (1969) The floppy infant. JB Lippincott, Philadelphia
Emery AEH (1971) The nosology of the spinal muscular atrophies. J Med Genetics 8: 481
Swaiman KF (1975) Progressive infantile spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease). In: The practice of pediatric neurology. CV Mosby Comp, St. Louis, p 941–947
Swischuk LE, Smith PC, Fagan CJ (1974) Abnormalities of the pharynx and larynx in childhood. Semin Roentgenol 9: 283
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Grünebaum, M., Nutman, J. & Nitzan, M. The pharyngo-laryngeal deficit in the acute form of infantile spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease). Pediatr Radiol 11, 67–70 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00971781
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00971781