A life-threatening respiratory complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux in a patient with tetraplegia.

Recurrent attacks of life-threatening dyspnoea and choking occurred in a patient with tetraplegia. Conventional investigations for gastro-oesophageal reflux were normal, but 24-hour oesophageal pH recording revealed gross reflux in association with an attack of dyspnoea. Surgical correction of the reflux abolished the attacks. The possibility of autonomic dysreflexia as the mechanism linking reflux and respiratory symptoms in this patient is discussed.