Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy as a cause of dysphagia in the elderly.

A case of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy in an elderly woman of French-Canadian background presenting with dysphagia is discussed. Typical features of the clinical presentation include bilateral ptosis and dysphagia with significant potential for morbid outcomes of aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Although relatively uncommon, this diagnosis should be considered in an elderly person with dysphagia, a history of ptosis, and the proper family background. Surgical treatment appears to improve the signs and symptoms of this disease.