Cricopharyngeal bar on videofluoroscopy: high specificity for inclusion body myositis

Objective To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the cricopharyngeal bar (CPB), defined as marked protrusion with lacking relaxation and stricture of the upper esophageal sphincter on videofluoroscopy, in patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM). Methods We conducted a case–control study of comprehensive series of adult healthy individuals and consecutive patients with neuropsychiatric disorders aged over 45 (52 versus 2486). A standard videofluoroscopy was performed. Results Overall, 47 individuals with CPB were identified. Of the individuals with CPB, 36% were IBM followed by neurodegenerative disorders, muscular disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and others (32%, 21%, 2.1%, and 8.5%, respectively), indicating the heterogeneity of the etiologies. Against muscular disorders, the sensitivity and specificity of the CPB for IBM were 33% (= 17/52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20–45%) and 96% (= 264/274; 95% CI, 94–99%), respectively. IBM with CPB showed a higher frequency of obstruction-related dysphagia (88% versus 22%, p