We evaluated various fast MR sequences for obtaining anatomical and dynamic functional information during deglutition. Seven healthy volunteers underwent MRI of the oropharynx during swallowing of an oral positive-contrast agent. Single-slice imaging was performed in the median sagittal plane while subjects were in a supine position. Twenty serial images were obtained using EPI, FLASH, and turbo-FLASH sequences. The dynamic (movement-related) information and the anatomical resolution of the soft tissues were evaluated during deglutition. The FLASH sequence provided high-quality images at rest. During swallowing, however, the images were significantly degraded by movement artifacts and had inferior temporal resolution. The EPI evidenced better temporal resolution, but was degraded by strong distortions and movement arti- Index terms: fast MRI; dynamic MRI; swallowing; pharyngeal physiology; degluition DEGLUTITION IS THE COMPLEX COORDINATED AC-TIVITY of multiple voluntarily and involuntarily contracted muscles of the oropharynx, the larynx, and the upper digestive pathway. The motion of the involved anatomical structures while swallowing is very rapid: the mean duration of the oral and pharyngeal phases during bolus propulsion is approximately 1 second (1). The evaluation of the functional properties of the anatomical structures involved in swallowing has been severely impeded by the low temporal resolution of conventional, spin-echo, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Recent advances with ultra-fast MRI sequences now provide the opportunity to image softtissue motion with "near" real-time temporal resolution.Various high-speed MRI techniques, such as echoplanar imaging (EPI) and turbo-fast low-angle shot (turbo-FLASH), have been used to obtain dynamic images of soft tissues during physiological motion (2-4). The application of these sequences to the oropharynx and the upper digestive pathway to evaluate deglutition function has resulted in images with a satisfactory spatial and temporal resolution. The rapid swallowing motion can be adequately evaluated dynamically, with good recognition of the involved anatomical structures, in acquisition times below 1 second. Better delineation of the oropharyngeal apparatus can be achieved with the application of an oral positive-contrast agent as a food bolus substitute.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of various available high-speed MRI sequences to dynamically image the deglutition process, and to determine which sequence provided the best dynamic (movement-related) information and anatomical resolution of the oropharyngeal soft tissues involved in each of the swallowing phases. The value of this technique as a diagnostic tool will be discussed in the context of the routinely used radiographic and endoscopic techniques. METHODSSeven healthy volunteers (five males and two females, age range: 25-35 years) with no history of oropharyngeal diseases participated in the study. A 1.5 T superconducting MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips Medical S...

Sonographic measurement of the abdominal esophagus length is highly diagnostic for GER in neonates and infants. In neonates, it can also indicate GER severity. Hiatal hernia is associated with a significantly shorter abdominal esophagus.

Desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas (DIG) are rare intracranial tumors occurring during the 1st year of life. They arise invariably in the supratentorial region and have a great size at presentation, commonly involving more than one lobe. They are composed of a solid peripheral component of variable size, which involves the superficial cerebral cortex and the leptomeninges, and a large cystic part. Despite the great size at presentation and occasional mitotic activity in the variable undifferentiated component, this entity constitutes a distinct clinicopathological entity with benign prognosis. We hereby present the MRI and histological findings of two cases of DIG in infants aged 9 and 10 months, respectively.

Whiplash injury commonly results in cervical spine trauma. We report a case of a 58-year-old man, who sustained a whiplash injury from contact with the headrest of his seat after his car was involved in a rear-end collision. He presented with sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing and progressing dyspnea. The diagnostic work-up comprising lateral radiograph, CT and MR imaging disclosed the rare constellation of a retropharyngeal hematoma and prevertebral edema without further injury of the cervical spine structures. Compression of the upper airways was evident. A careful history and an appropriate diagnostic approach are essential for the work-up and management of such a life-threatening situation.