Oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy in the diagnostic algorithm of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: a useful exam?

Oropharyngoesophageal Scintigraphy in a Case of Complex Swallowing Disorders After a Major Oral Surgery

ABSTRACT

A 75-year-old woman had an occasional finding of a left tonsil mass for dysphagia, which resulted a high-grade squamous carcinoma. Therefore, the patient was sent to have a left pharyngectomy. After the pharyngectomy, the patient reported persistent swallowing disorders and nasal reflux. Consequently, she had an oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy, demonstrating irregular oral and pharyngeal swallowing phases and confirming reflux episodes into the rhinopharynx and into the oropharynx. In line with these findings, the patient was send to rehabilitation; the abnormal functional mechanisms, previously identified by the scintigraphy, allowed to guide the speech therapy, with a progressive clinical improvement.

Modified Reflux Scintigraphy Detects Pulmonary Microaspiration in Severe Gastro-Esophageal and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTION

Previously described methodologies for detecting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) have limitations. Symptoms alone are non-diagnostic, and pH-impedance studies have poor sensitivity. Pulmonary micro-aspiration is under-recognised in LPR and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed to describe the results of a modified technique for scintigraphic reflux studies in two groups with severe reflux: those with typical reflux symptoms and those with laryngopharyngeal manifestations of reflux.

METHODS

A prospective database of severely symptomatic, treatment-resistant reflux patients was grouped based upon predominant symptom profile of typical GERD or LPR. All patients underwent reflux scintigraphy. Results were obtained for early scintigraphic reflux contamination of the pharynx and proximal esophagus, and delayed contamination of the pharynx and lungs after 2 h.

RESULTS

187 patients were studied (82 GERD, 105 LPR). The LPR patients were predominantly female (70.5% vs. 56.1%; p = 0.042) and older than the GERD group (median age 60 years vs. 55.5 years; p = 0.002). Early scintigraphic reflux was seen at the pharynx in 89.2% (GERD 87.7%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.133), and at the proximal esophagus in 89.7% (GERD 88.9%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.147). Delayed contamination of the pharynx was seen in 95.2% (GERD 93.9%, LPR 96.2%; p = 0.468). Delayed pulmonary aspiration was seen in 46% (GERD 36.6%, LPR 53.3%; p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Reflux scintigraphy demonstrated a high rate of reflux-related pulmonary aspiration. Contamination of the proximal esophagus and pharynx was observed frequently in both groups of severe disease. The likelihood of pulmonary aspiration and potential pulmonary disease needs to be entertained in severe GERD and LPR.

A new diagnostic paradigm for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: correlation of impedance-pH monitoring and digital reflux scintigraphy results

PURPOSE

No gold-standard investigation exists for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH testing has uncertain utility in LPR. Meanwhile, reflux scintigraphy allows immediate and delayed visualisation of tracer reflux in the esophagus, pharynx, and lungs. The present study aimed to correlate MII-pH and scintigraphic reflux results in patients with primary LPR.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with LPR underwent MII-pH and scintigraphic reflux studies. Abnormal values for MII-pH results were defined from existing literature. MII-pH and scintigraphic data were correlated.

RESULTS

105 patients with LPR [31 males (29.5%), median age 60 years (range 20-87)] were studied. Immediate scintigraphic reflux was seen in the pharynx in 94 (90.4%), and in the proximal esophagus in 94 (90.4%). Delayed scintigraphic contamination of the pharynx was seen in 101 patients (96.2%) and in the lungs of 56 patients (53.3%). For MII-pH, abnormally frequent reflux was seen in the distal esophagus in 12.4%, proximal esophagus in 25.7%, and in the pharynx in 82.9%. Patients with poor scintigraphic clearance had higher Demeester scores (p = 0.043), more proximal reflux episodes (p = 0.046), more distal acid reflux episodes (p = 0.023), and more prolonged bolus clearance times (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Reflux scintigraphy has a high yield in LPR patients. Scintigraphic time-activity curves correlated with validated MII-pH results. A high rate of pulmonary microaspiration was found in LPR patients. This study demonstrated a high level of pharyngeal contamination by scintigraphy and MII-pH, which supports the use of digital reflux scintigraphy in diagnosing LPR.

Impact of Tracheal Tube on Swallowing in Post-Operative Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Scintigraphic Analysis

Dysphagia is common in tracheostomized patients who underwent head and neck surgery for cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by means of oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy (OPES), the impact of an occluded tracheal tube (TT) on swallowing in patients treated for head and neck cancer before hospital discharge, to provide further information to the benefit of out-patient care management. From October 2018 to November 2019, we enrolled 19 tracheostomized patients (6 females and 13 males; mean age 61 years) who underwent primary surgical resection of head and neck tumor and swallowing rehabilitation during hospitalization. All subjects underwent a double-standard OPES, one with occluded tracheal tube and the other without TT, with their tracheal stoma being closed directly by a plaster. For each study, we assessed and compared the following quantitative parameters: oral transit time (OTTsec), pharyngeal transit time (PTTsec), esophageal transit time (ETTsec), oral retention index (ORI%), pharyngeal retention index (PRI%), esophageal retention index (ERI%), and aspiration percentage (AP%). The mean values of OTT, PTT, ORI%, PRI%, and ERI% were abnormal during OPES both with TT and without TT and did not statistically differ between the two tests (p > 0.05). Aspiration was detected in 4 cases out of 19 (21.05%) cases during OPES with TT and in 4/19 (21.05%) cases without TT who showed a mean AP% of 11.4% and 11.5% respectively (p > 0.05). Patients with abnormal AP% (> 0%) during OPES with TT showed aspiration signs without TT. Our study showed that the mere presence of a closed tracheal tube does not impact significantly the oropharyngeal transit of bolus during swallowing. This result suggests the possibility to maintain a small-diameter occluded tracheal tube in place for the postsurgical management of head and neck cancer patients.

Comparison between videofluoroscopy, fiberoptic endoscopy and scintigraphy for diagnosis of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia

The purpose of this study was to compare videofluoroscopy (VFS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and oro-pharyngo- oesophageal scintigraphy (OPES) with regards to premature spillage, post-swallowing residue and aspiration to assess the reliability of these tests for detection of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia. Sixty patients affected with dysphagia of various origin were enrolled in the study and submitted to VFS, FEES and OPES using a liquid and semi-solid bolus. As a reference, we used VFS. Both the FEES and the OPES showed good sensitivity with high overall values (≥ 80% and ≥ 90% respectively). The comparison between FEES vs VFS concerning drop before swallowing showed good specificity (84.4% for semi-solids and 86.7% for liquids). In the case of post-swallowing residue, FEES vs VFS revealed good overall validity (75% for semi-solids) with specificity and sensitivity well balanced for the semi-solids. OPES vs. VFS demonstrated good sensitivity (88.6%) and overall validity (76.7%) for liquids. The analysis of FEES vs. VFS for aspiration showed that the overall validity was low (≤ 65%). On the other hand, OPES demonstrated appreciable overall validity (71.7%). VFS, FEES and OPES are capable of detecting oro-pharyngeal dysphagia. FEES gave significant results in the evaluation of post-swallowing residues.

Evaluation of swallowing function after supracricoid laryngectomy as a primary or salvage procedure

The primary functional issues following conservative therapy for advanced laryngeal cancer concern swallowing. Here, we evaluated the recovery of swallowing after supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCL) in patients with primary or recurrent laryngeal cancer. We evaluated the swallowing recovery in 27 SCL patients through oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy, and we evaluated their quality of life using EORTC questionnaires. Four patients underwent total laryngectomy during follow-up. Patients who retained their larynges were able to feed without nutritional support and without tracheostoma. The only significantly different parameter between the primary and salvage cases was the time elapsed to the removal of nasogastric/PEG tubes, which was longer in salvage cases. SCL has been demonstrated as a valuable option for primary and recurrent laryngeal cancer patients. The present data demonstrate good functional results, particularly in terms of swallowing after previous treatments and in primary settings. The combination of oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy and questionnaires appears to be an adequate, standardizable approach to assessing swallowing function after SCL.

Scintigraphy in laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A definitive diagnostic test?

AIM: To investigate the utility of scintigraphic studies in predicting response to laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) for chronic laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.

METHODS: Patients with upper aero-digestive symptoms that remained undiagnosed after a period of 2 mo were studied with conventional pH and manometric studies. Patients mainly complained of cough, sore throat, dysphonia and globus. These patients were imaged after ingestion of 99m-technetium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid. Studies were quantified with time activity curves over the pharynx, upper and lower oesophagus and background. Late studies of the lungs were obtained for aspiration. Patients underwent LF with post-operative review at 3 mo after surgery.

RESULTS: Thirty four patients (20 F, 14 M) with an average age of 57 years and average duration of symptoms of 4.8 years were studied. Twenty four hour pH and manometry studies were abnormal in all patients. On scintigraphy, 27/34 patients demonstrated pharyngeal contamination and a rising or flat pharyngeal curve. Lung aspiration was evident in 50% of patients. There was evidence of pulmonary aspiration in 17 of 34 patients in the delayed study (50%). Pharyngeal contamination was found in 27 patients. All patients with aspiration showed pharyngeal contamination. In the 17 patients with aspiration, graphical time activity curve showed rising activity in the pharynx in 9 patients and a flat curve in 8 patients. In those 17 patients without pulmonary aspiration, 29% (5 patients) had either a rising or flat pharyngeal graph. A rising or flat curve predicted aspiration with a positive predictive value of 77% and a negative predictive value of 100%. Over 90% of patients reported a satisfactory symptomatic response to LF with an acceptable side-effect profile.

CONCLUSION: Scintigraphic reflux studies offer a good screening tool for pharyngeal contamination and aspiration in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal scintigraphy in the evaluation of adult patients with chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the findings of gastroesophageal scintigraphy (GES) with late lung imaging in adult patients with chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease and a group of healthy participants.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with chronic cough with reflux symptoms, and a control group of 12 healthy participants were examined. All patients had reflux esophagitis documented by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histology. All participants underwent laryngoscopic examination and GES. The correlation between gastroesophageal reflux and several related variables was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 51 patients (92.7%) had positive GES findings for pathologic reflux; 19 (37.2%) of these patients had proximal reflux; and the remaining 32 (62.7%) had distal reflux. The frequency, duration, and percentage volume of gastric content of reflux episodes were significantly greater in patients with proximal reflux than in patients with distal reflux (P<0.0001). No statistically significant differences were seen between proximal reflux and distal reflux patients in terms of pulmonary function parameters, duration of cough, and reflux symptoms scores. However, severe grade (B and C) of esophagitis and the posterior laryngitis were more common in the patients with proximal reflux. Late lung imaging demonstrated evidence of pulmonary aspiration in only three of 51 (6%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that GES with late lung imaging objectively showed the presence of pathologic distal and/or proximal reflux, but rarely pulmonary aspiration, in the majority of chronic cough patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. As the chronic cough patients with proximal reflux have more severe reflux characteristics, this examination may be effective in screening and following up these patients.