Fluoroscopic Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Anatomic, Technical, and Common Etiologic Factors

Abstract

Target Audience Radiologists and other professionals involved in imaging of oropharyngeal swallowing Objectives To review anatomy of the upper GI tract To review techniques and contrast agents used in the fluoroscopic examination of the oropharynx and hypopharynx To provide a pictorial review of some important causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia, and to link these to key findings in the clinical history to assist in establishing a clinical diagnosis To provide self-assessment questions to reinforce key learning points

Dysphagia and aspiration as the only manifestations of a stroke

“…Fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing can also be a good method to obtain information on pharynx and larynx anatomy and physiology, and cough and gag reflexes,5 but it cannot assess the oral stage of swallowing disorders nor can it determine bolus movement at the point of swallowing. In contrast, videofluoroscopy provides a dynamic assessment of the oral, pharyngeal and upper oesophageal phases 6 7…”

Pulmonary computed tomography findings in patients with chronic aspiration detected by videofluoroscopic swallowing study

“…6 The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is the gold standard for the evaluation of swallowing disorders and should be used specifically to assess aspiration. 7,8 Many patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia have aspirated saliva or food into the lungs, which may cause lung damage. 9,10 Little evidence is available to confirm an association between the location of lung injury and the type of aspiration, and not all previous studies of aspiration pneumonia have confirmed dysphagia using the VFSS.…”

Voice disorders associated with swallowing disorders – Implications in the sphere of quality of life

“…Disfagia este un simptom al unui număr vast de patologii medicale (Jaffer, Edmund, Wing-Fai Au, Steele, 2015).…”