Videofluoroscopic evaluation of HIV/AIDS patients with swallowing dysfunction

Abstract

Background: We investigated the association of abnormalities of the swallowing mechanism in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing with symptoms of dysphagia and painful swallowing in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods: Seventeen patients, two with HIV and 15 with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with symptoms of dysphagia or pain on swallowing for routine barium esophagograms were studied prospectively by videofluoroscopic examination of the oropharynx in addition to a routine biphasic esophagogram. The videofluoroscopic studies were performed in conjunction with a speech pathologist.

Results: All 17 patients demonstrated abnormalities in the oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal phase of swallowing. Eight patients aspirated, six of whom did not exhibit a cough reflex and were classified as silent aspirators. Seven of the eight patients who aspirated had chest radiographs consistent with aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusion: A significant number of HIV-positive and AIDS patients with dysphagia or pain on swallowing have dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism and are at risk for aspiration.