Since dysphagia is a common occurrence after a stroke, assessing the swallowing function in stroke patients is important. Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a rare esophageal diverticulum that leads to various complications.However, few studies have reported the presence of the Killian-Jamieson diverticulum subsequent to a cerebral infarct. A 66-year-old woman diagnosed with left periventricular white matter infarction complained of dysphagia.A suspected diverticulum observed in the first videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was thought to be unrelated to the patient’s symptoms. However, since the patient continued to complain of dysphagia, computed tomography was performed to detect any anatomical abnormalities that could cause dysphagia. An approximately 12 mm-sized Killian-Jamieson diverticulum was found on the left side of the esophagus at the C5-6 level. A reversed flow from the diverticulum was observed in the following VFSS. No treatment was administered as the caregiver disagreed with the patient’s aggressive treatment options, which included surgical procedures such as diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy. Only periodic VFSS follow-up was continued. The association between Killian-Jamieson diverticulum and cerebral infarction remains unclear. This case underlines the importance of considering an esophageal diverticulum in patients with aggravated swallowing difficulties after cerebral infarction.

The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM), an important anatomical component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), is controlled by reflexive contraction and relaxation movements that are coordinated with swallowing and breathing.In cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) the CPM does not relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner, causing dysphagia. Prolonged CPD may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, or aspiration, and therefore, prompt treatment is essential. A 41-year-old female diagnosed with left lateral medullary infarction demonstrated relative improvement in cognitive, language, and motor dysfunctions following acute treatment. However, her swallowing disorder continued from time of onset of symptoms. Balloon dilatation was performed at various frequencies, and gradually the patient was trained to perform the procedure on her own. The effects of balloon dilatation were evaluated continuously through repetitive videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. While balloon dilatation is a widely used method for treating CPD, its use has not yet been standardized. The diameter, pressure, and extension time of the balloon depend greatly on the operator’s personal experience. This case is valuable because we determined the optimal frequency of balloon dilatation for the patient through a series of attempts at various frequencies. Furthermore, performing balloon dilatation on her own helped with her early recovery and discharge. Due to this individualized treatment, the patient could safely progress to a regular diet from being fed through a tube.

The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM), an important anatomical component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), is controlled by reflexive contraction and relaxation movements that are coordinated with swallowing and breathing.In cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) the CPM does not relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner, causing dysphagia. Prolonged CPD may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, or aspiration, and therefore, prompt treatment is essential. A 41-year-old female diagnosed with left lateral medullary infarction demonstrated relative improvement in cognitive, language, and motor dysfunctions following acute treatment. However, her swallowing disorder continued from time of onset of symptoms. Balloon dilatation was performed at various frequencies, and gradually the patient was trained to perform the procedure on her own. The effects of balloon dilatation were evaluated continuously through repetitive videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. While balloon dilatation is a widely used method for treating CPD, its use has not yet been standardized. The diameter, pressure, and extension time of the balloon depend greatly on the operator’s personal experience. This case is valuable because we determined the optimal frequency of balloon dilatation for the patient through a series of attempts at various frequencies. Furthermore, performing balloon dilatation on her own helped with her early recovery and discharge. Due to this individualized treatment, the patient could safely progress to a regular diet from being fed through a tube.

The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM), an important anatomical component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), is controlled by reflexive contraction and relaxation movements that are coordinated with swallowing and breathing.In cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) the CPM does not relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner, causing dysphagia. Prolonged CPD may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, or aspiration, and therefore, prompt treatment is essential. A 41-year-old female diagnosed with left lateral medullary infarction demonstrated relative improvement in cognitive, language, and motor dysfunctions following acute treatment. However, her swallowing disorder continued from time of onset of symptoms. Balloon dilatation was performed at various frequencies, and gradually the patient was trained to perform the procedure on her own. The effects of balloon dilatation were evaluated continuously through repetitive videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. While balloon dilatation is a widely used method for treating CPD, its use has not yet been standardized. The diameter, pressure, and extension time of the balloon depend greatly on the operator’s personal experience. This case is valuable because we determined the optimal frequency of balloon dilatation for the patient through a series of attempts at various frequencies. Furthermore, performing balloon dilatation on her own helped with her early recovery and discharge. Due to this individualized treatment, the patient could safely progress to a regular diet from being fed through a tube.

The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM), an important anatomical component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), is controlled by reflexive contraction and relaxation movements that are coordinated with swallowing and breathing.In cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) the CPM does not relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner, causing dysphagia. Prolonged CPD may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, or aspiration, and therefore, prompt treatment is essential. A 41-year-old female diagnosed with left lateral medullary infarction demonstrated relative improvement in cognitive, language, and motor dysfunctions following acute treatment. However, her swallowing disorder continued from time of onset of symptoms. Balloon dilatation was performed at various frequencies, and gradually the patient was trained to perform the procedure on her own. The effects of balloon dilatation were evaluated continuously through repetitive videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. While balloon dilatation is a widely used method for treating CPD, its use has not yet been standardized. The diameter, pressure, and extension time of the balloon depend greatly on the operator’s personal experience. This case is valuable because we determined the optimal frequency of balloon dilatation for the patient through a series of attempts at various frequencies. Furthermore, performing balloon dilatation on her own helped with her early recovery and discharge. Due to this individualized treatment, the patient could safely progress to a regular diet from being fed through a tube.