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Continued Relevance of Videofluoroscopy in the Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

  • ENT Imaging (A A Jacobi-Postma, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In the last decade, fluoroscopy in the radiology department has been largely replaced by more modern imaging techniques; however, the visualization of oropharyngeal swallowing function is still one of the hallmarks of fluoroscopy. This article describes the technique and interpretation of swallowing videofluoroscopy.

Recent Findings

As the evaluation of swallowing is a dynamic study with important, discrete events occurring rapidly, the fluoroscopic acquisition rate must be continuous or no less than 30 pulses per second. If the acquisition rate is less, important clinical information will be missed. Other swallowing evaluation techniques such as endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and manometry are available. While each offers some advantages, their limitations preclude them from being the best evaluation tool for oropharyngeal swallowing.

Summary

The videofluoroscopic swallowing study remains a relevant and efficient instrumental evaluation for the management and rehabilitation of oropharyngeal swallowing.

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Acknowledgements

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, 4455 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX, 77204-6018, USA

    Stephanie K. Daniels

  2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Caryn S. Easterling

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  1. Stephanie K. Daniels
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephanie K. Daniels.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on ENT Imaging.

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Completion of liquid bolus delivery via cup (MP4 3970 kb)

Individual with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (MP4 4431 kb)

Penetration to the true vocal folds and subsequent aspiration during sequential swallowing (MP4 6181 kb)

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Daniels, S.K., Easterling, C.S. Continued Relevance of Videofluoroscopy in the Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia. Curr Radiol Rep 5, 6 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40134-017-0201-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40134-017-0201-4

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