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Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy as a Cause of Dysphagia in the Elderly
Author(s) -
Kiel Douglas P.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1986.tb05484.x
Subject(s) - medicine , oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy , dysphagia , ptosis , aspiration pneumonia , presentation (obstetrics) , pediatrics , disease , pharyngeal muscles , surgery , pneumonia , swallowing
A case of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy in an elderly woman of French-Canadian background presenting with dysphagia is discussed. Typical features of the clinical presentation include bilateral ptosis and dysphagia with significant potential for morbid outcomes of aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Although relatively uncommon, this diagnosis should be considered in an elderly person with dysphagia, a history of ptosis, and the proper family background. Surgical treatment appears to improve the signs and symptoms of this disease.