The pharyngo-laryngeal deficit in the acute form of infantile spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease).

The major complication in the acute form of infantile spinal muscular atrophy is the aspiration phenomenon, due to the pharyngo-laryngeal deficit. The radiographic findings of this deficit are characterized by epipharyngeal regurgitation, hypopharyngeal distention, good function of the cricopharyngeal sphincter and absence of epiglottic closure during the act of deglutition. The differential diagnosis of other neuromuscular entities is discussed in view of two documented radiographic cases.