Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology; January 2026 Diagnosis of Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction Using High Resolution Impedance Manometry and Comparison With Control Subjects

This research investigates Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD), a condition where the throat muscle fails to relax, making it impossible for a person to belch. By using advanced pressure-sensing technology during a sparkling water provocation test, scientists discovered that patients with this disorder maintain excessively high pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter, causing gas to become trapped or oscillate painfully in the esophagus. The study confirms that botulinum toxin injections effectively lower this pressure, allowing for successful air clearance and symptom relief. Ultimately, the paper establishes specific manometric benchmarks that allow doctors to accurately diagnose and treat this frequently overlooked digestive issue.