Temporal sequence of swallow events during the oropharyngeal swallow

Location of the upper oesophageal sphincter during swallowing: Analysis using swallowing CT

BACKGROUND

Upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) serves as an important anatomical and functional landmark during swallowing. However, the precise UES location before and during swallowing has not been well established.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) location and displacement during swallowing accounting for sex, age, and height in healthy adults using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT).

METHODS

Ninety-four healthy adults (43 males; 22-90 years) underwent 320-ADCT scanning while swallowing one trial of 10 mL honey thick barium. UES location at bolus hold and at maximum displacement and vertical displacement during swallowing were identified using the coordinates and the section classification of vertebrae (VERT scale). The differences and correlations of UES location and distance in terms of sex, age, and height were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

UES locations at bolus hold and at maximum displacement were significantly lower and UES vertical displacement was significantly larger in males than in females (p < .001). UES location at bolus hold became lower with increasing age (r = -.312, p = .002), but the negative correlation was low at maximum displacement (r = -.230, p = .026), resulting in larger vertical distance with ageing. UES locations showed high negative correlation at bolus hold with height (r = -.715, p < .001), and showed moderate negative correlation at maximum displacement with height (r = -.555, p < .001), although this effect was unclear when analysed by sex.

CONCLUSION

Males showed lower UES location and larger displacement than females. The impact of age was evident with lower location before swallowing and larger displacement during swallowing. Differences observed by sex were not completely explained by using the VERT scale to adjust for height.

Using Sequence Analyses to Quantitatively Measure Oropharyngeal Swallowing Temporality in Point-of-Care Ultrasound Examinations: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Swallowing is a complex process that comprises well-timed control of oropharyngeal and laryngeal structures to achieve airway protection and swallowing efficiency. To understand its temporality, previous research adopted adherence measures and revealed obligatory pairs in healthy swallows and the effect of aging and bolus type on the variability of event timing and order. This study aimed to (i) propose a systemic conceptualization of swallowing physiology, (ii) apply sequence analyses, a set of information-theoretic and bioinformatic methods, to quantify and characterize swallowing temporality, and (iii) investigate the effect of aging and dysphagia on the quantified variables using sequence analyses measures. (2) Method: Forty-three participants (17 young adults, 15 older adults, and 11 dysphagic adults) underwent B-mode ultrasound swallowing examinations at the mid-sagittal plane of the submental region. The onset, maximum, and offset states of hyoid bone displacement, geniohyoid muscle contraction, and tongue base retraction were identified and sorted to form sequences which were analyzed using an inventory of sequence analytic techniques; namely, overlap coefficients, Shannon entropy, and longest common subsequence algorithms. (3) Results: The concurrency of movement sequence was found to be significantly impacted by aging and dysphagia. Swallowing sequence variability was also found to be reduced with age and the presence of dysphagia (H(2) = 52.253, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.260). Four obligatory sequences were identified, and high adherence was also indicated in two previously reported pairs. These results provided preliminary support for the validity of sequence analyses for quantifying swallowing sequence temporality. (4) Conclusions: A systemic conceptualization of human deglutition permits a multi-level quantitative analysis of swallowing physiology. Sequence analyses are a set of promising quantitative measurement techniques for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) swallowing examinations and outcome measures for swallowing rehabilitation and evaluation of associated physiological conditions, such as sarcopenia. Findings in the current study revealed physiological differences among healthy young, healthy older, and dysphagic adults. They also helped lay the groundwork for future AI-assisted dysphagia assessment and outcome measures using POCUSs. Arguably, the proposed conceptualization and analyses are also modality-independent measures that can potentially be generalized for other instrumental swallowing assessment modalities.

Presbyphagia: Dysphagia in the elderly

Dysphagia has been classified as a “geriatric syndrome” and can lead to serious complications that result in a tremendous burden on population health and healthcare resources worldwide. A characteristic age-related change in swallowing is defined as “presbyphagia.” Medical imaging has shown some changes that seriously affect the safety and efficacy of swallowing. However, there is a general lack of awareness of the effects of aging on swallowing function and a belief that these changes are part of normal aging. Our review provides an overview of presbyphagia, which has been a neglected health problem for a long time. Attention and awareness of dysphagia in the elderly population should be strengthened, and targeted intervention measures should be actively implemented.

Temporal Sequence of Laryngeal Vestibule Closure and Reopening is Associated With Airway Protection

BACKGROUND

Upper esophageal sphincter opening (UESO), and laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) are two essential kinematic events whose timings are crucial for adequate bolus clearance and airway protection during swallowing. Their temporal characteristics can be quantified through time-consuming analysis of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS).

OBJECTIVES

We sought to establish a model to predict the odds of penetration or aspiration during swallowing based on 15 temporal factors of UES and laryngeal vestibule kinematics.

METHODS

Manual temporal measurements and ratings of penetration and aspiration were conducted on a videofluoroscopic dataset of 408 swallows from 99 patients. A generalized estimating equation model was deployed to analyze association between individual factors and the risk of penetration or aspiration.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the latencies of laryngeal vestibular events and the time lapse between UESO onset and LVC were highly related to penetration or aspiration. The predictive model incorporating patient demographics and bolus presentation showed that delayed LVC by 0.1 s or delayed LVO by 1% of the swallow duration (average 0.018 s) was associated with a 17.19% and 2.68% increase in odds of airway invasion, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This predictive model provides insight into kinematic factors that underscore the interaction between the intricate timing of laryngeal kinematics and airway protection. Recent investigation in automatic noninvasive or videofluoroscopic detection of laryngeal kinematics would provide clinicians access to objective measurements not commonly quantified in VFSS. Consequently, the temporal and sequential understanding of these kinematics may interpret such measurements to an estimation of the risk of aspiration or penetration which would give rise to rapid computer-assisted dysphagia diagnosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Laryngoscope, 133:521-527, 2023.

Differences in pharyngeal swallow event timing: Healthy aging, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing involves a coordinated sequence of events. Event durations may be prolonged in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS); however, the cumulative effect of these changes is unexplored. We compared event latencies relative to hyoid burst (HYB) (time zero) to understand differences in deglutatory event timing. We hypothesized PwPD and PwALS would display similarly prolonged cumulative pharyngeal phase durations compared to healthy controls, with greater prolongations with increasing bolus viscosity.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated videofluoroscopic data of healthy adults (n = 78), PwPD (n = 17), and PwALS (n = 20). Participants swallowed 15 boluses of 20% (w/v) barium across five liquid consistencies. Paired raters evaluated nine deglutitive events using the ASPEKT method. Latencies were plotted by consistency relative to HYB and compared across cohorts using Mann-Whitney U tests (p ≤ .05). Cohen's d was calculated for all statistically significant results to determine effect size.

Results

In PwPD, significantly prolonged latencies were observed on thin liquid boluses compared to healthy controls. Latencies to all post-HYB events were significantly prolonged except for maximum upper esophageal sphincter distension. In PwALS, significantly prolonged latencies for events preceding and following HYB were noted on all consistencies compared to healthy controls and PwPD.

Conclusion

In PwPD, event latencies for multiple components of the swallowing sequence were prolonged culminating in overall prolongation of the pharyngeal phase on thin liquid. A similar pattern, but with significantly greater prolongation, was seen in the PwALS, and extended to swallows of all liquid consistencies.

Brain functional activity of swallowing: A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Swallowing is one of the most important activities in our life and serves the dual roles of nutritional intake and eating enjoyment.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the brain activity of swallowing.

METHODS

Studies of swallowing using functional magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan Fang before 30 November 2021. Two authors analysed the studies for eligibility criteria. The final inclusion of studies was decided by consensus. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of these studies was performed with GingerALE, including 16 studies.

RESULTS

For swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral insula, bilateral pre-central gyrus, bilateral post-central gyrus, left transverse temporal gyrus, right medial front gyrus, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral cingulate gyrus. For water swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and the left pre-central gyrus. For saliva swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral cingulate gyrus, bilateral pre-central gyrus, left post-central gyrus and left transverse gyrus.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis reflects that swallowing is regulated by both sensory and motor cortex, and saliva swallowing activates more brain areas than water swallowing, which would promote our knowledge of swallowing and provide some direction for clinical and other research.

Effects of Food and Liquid Properties on Swallowing Physiology and Function in Adults

Foods and liquids have properties that are often modified as part of clinical dysphagia management to promote safe and efficient swallowing. However, recent studies have questioned whether this practice is supported by the evidence. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to answer the question: "Can properties of food and liquids modify swallowing physiology and function in adults?" Online search in six databases yielded a set of 4235 non-duplicate articles. Using COVIDENCE software, two independent reviewers screened the articles by title and abstract, and 229 full-text articles were selected for full-text review. One-hundred eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and assessment of risk of bias. Three randomized controlled trials and 108 non-randomized studies were analyzed. Large amounts of variability in instrumental assessment, properties of food and liquids, and swallowing measures were found across studies. Sour, sweet, and salty taste, odor, carbonation, capsaicin, viscosity, hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness were reported to modify the oral and pharyngeal phase of swallowing in both healthy participants and patients with dysphagia. Main swallow measures modified by properties of food and liquids were penetration/aspiration, oral transit time, lingual pressures, submental muscle contraction, oral and pharyngeal residue, hyoid and laryngeal movement, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter pressures, and total swallow duration. The evidence pooled in this review supports the clinical practice of food texture and liquid consistency modification in the management of dysphagia with the caveat that all clinical endeavors must be undertaken with a clear rationale and patient-specific evidence that modifying food or liquid benefits swallow safety and efficiency while maintaining quality of life.

Temporal measures of oropharyngeal swallowing events identified using ultrasound imaging in healthy young adults

Swallowing is a complex process that involves precise coordination among oral and pharyngeal structures, which is essential to smooth transition of bolus and adequate airway protection. Tongue base retraction and hyolaryngeal excursion are two significant swallowing movements, and their related events can be examined using ultrasound imaging, which is physically and radioactively non-invasive. The present study aimed to 1) establish the temporal sequences and timing of swallowing events identified using ultrasound imaging, and 2) investigate the variability of the above temporal sequences and 3) investigate the effect of bolus type on the variability of temporal sequences in non-dysphagic individuals. Forty-one non-dysphagic young adults of both genders (19 males and 22 females) participated in the study. Ultrasound images were acquired mid-saggitally at their submental region during swallowing of boluses with different volume (i.e. 5mL or 10mL) and consistencies (i.e. IDDSI Levels 0 and 4). Timing and sequence of six events 1) displacement onset (TBOn), 2) maximum displacement (TBMax) and 3) displacement offset of tongue base retraction (TBOff); and, 4) displacement onset (HBOn), 5) maximum displacement (HBMax) and 6) displacement offset of the hyoid bone excursion (HBOff) were extracted from the ultrasound images. Out of the 161 swallows, 85.7% follow a general sequence of HBOn < TBOn < HBMax < TBMax < HBOff < TBOff. Percentage adherence to six anticipated paired-event sequences was studied. Results suggested the presence of individual variability as adherence ranged from 75.8% to 98.1% in four of the anticipated sequences, leaving only two sequences (HBOn < TBMax and TBMax < HBOff) obligatory (i.e. 100% adherence). For non-obligatory sequences, it was found that bolus type may have an effect on the level of adherence. Findings of the present study lay the groundwork for future studies on swallowing using ultrasound imaging and also the clinical application of ultrasonography.

Reliability of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale and Temporal and Clearance Measures in Poststroke Dysphagia: Videofluoroscopic Analysis From the Swallowing Treatment using Electrical Pharyngeal Stimulation Trial

PURPOSE

Information on reliability of outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of interventions in dysphagia rehabilitation is lacking, particularly when used by different research groups. Here, we report on reliability of the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) and temporal and clearance measures, determined using videofluoroscopy.

METHOD

Secondary analysis used videofluoroscopies from the Swallowing Treatment using Electrical Pharyngeal Stimulation trial in subacute stroke. PAS scores (719 scores from 18 participants) were evaluated and compared to the original PAS scores from the trial. Five conditions were assessed, including reliability for every swallow and overall mean of the worst PAS score. Operational rules for assessing temporal and clearance measures were also developed using the same data, and reliability of these rules was assessed. Reliability of component-level and derivative-level scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa.

RESULTS

Image quality was variable. Interrater reliability for the overall mean of the worst PAS score was excellent (ICC = .914, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.853, .951]) but moderate for every swallow in the bolus (ICC = .743, 95% CI [.708, .775]). Intrarater reliability for PAS was excellent (all conditions). Excellent reliability (both inter- and intrarater > .90) was seen for temporal measures of stage transition duration (ICC = .998, 95% CI [.993, .999] and ICC = .995, 95% CI [.987, .998], respectively) as well as initiation of laryngeal closure and pharyngeal transit time and all individual swallow events. Strong scores were obtained for some clearance measures; others were moderate or weak.

CONCLUSIONS

Interrater reliability for PAS is acceptable but depends on how the PAS scores are handled in the analysis. Interrater reliability for most temporal measures was high, although some measures required additional training. No clearance measures had excellent reliability.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19090088.

Effects of Presbyphagia on Oropharyngeal Swallowing Observed during Modified Barium Swallow Studies

OBJECTIVES

Understanding how aging impacts swallowing can help differentiate typical from atypical behaviors. This study aimed to quantify age-related swallowing alterations observed during a modified barium swallow study.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Adult fluoroscopy suite in a metropolitan hospital at an academic center.

PARTICIPANTS

195 healthy adults distributed across 3 age categories: 21-39; 40-59; 60+ years.

MEASUREMENTS

17 physiologic components of swallowing across three functional domains (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal), including summed composite scores (Oral Total [OT] and Pharyngeal Total [PT]), from the validated and standardized Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile.

RESULTS

Most components (65%) demonstrated no impairment (scores of "0"). The odds of a worse (higher) score increased significantly with age for: Tongue Control during Bolus Hold, Hyolaryngeal Movement, Laryngeal Closure, Pharyngeal Contraction, and Pharyngoesophageal Segment Opening. OT and PT scores for 40-59-year-olds were worse than the youngest group (p=.01 and p <.001, respectively). Adults 60+ years had significantly worse PT scores among all groups (p-values <.01).

CONCLUSION

Oropharyngeal swallowing physiology evolves as healthy adults age and should be considered during clinical decision-making.

A Retrospective Analysis of Swallowing Function and Physiology in Patients Living with Dementia

Dysphagia is commonly diagnosed in patients living with dementia, but we lack understanding of changes in swallowing physiology and the resulting relationship to impairments of safety and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to describe the pathophysiology of dysphagia in a retrospective sample of patients living with dementia. Videofluoroscopy data from 106 adults (mean age: 84) diagnosed with dementia were scored by blinded raters. Raters analyzed 412 thin liquid swallows for safety [Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS)], efficiency [% of (C2-C4)²], timing [Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT), Swallow Reaction Time (SRT), Laryngeal Vestibule Closure Reaction Time (LVCrt), Upper Esophageal Sphincter Opening Duration (UESO)], and kinematics (pharyngeal constriction). Impairment thresholds from existing literature were used to characterize swallowing. Chi-square tests and Pearson's correlations were used to determine associations between swallowing physiology and function. Compared to published norms, we identified significant differences in PTT, SRT, LVCrt, UESO, and degree of maximum pharyngeal constriction. Unsafe swallowing (PAS > 2) was seen in 17% of swallows. Clinically significant residue (i.e., % of (C2-C4)² > 0.54 vallecular; > 0.34 pyriforms) was seen in most patients. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between LVCrt and unsafe swallowing. There was a weak positive association between post-swallow residue in the pyriforms and poor pharyngeal constriction. Detailed analysis of swallowing physiology in this sample provides insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with dysphagia in patients living with dementia. Further work is needed to explore additional bolus consistencies and to identify how physiology changes based on type and severity of dementia diagnosis.

Factors Influencing Initiation of Pharyngeal Swallow in Healthy Adults

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing the initiation of pharyngeal swallow (IPS) in healthy, nondysphagic adults. Method A total of 195 healthy participants ranging in age from 21 to 89 years participated in a modified barium swallow study. IPS was quantified using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile standardized scoring system across nine swallowing tasks observed in the lateral viewing plane for each participant. Results Large variability for bolus head location at time of hyoid burst (IPS) was observed within this healthy cohort, ranging from the ramus of the mandible to the pyriform sinuses. Significant effects of bolus volume, viscosity, sex, and race were also observed. Conclusion Study findings indicate that IPS is variable in healthy adults and influenced by volume, viscosity, sex, and race. Thus, variability in IPS may be considered typical in otherwise nondysphagic adults. The clinical significance of high Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile IPS scores in dysphagic patients, therefore, must be considered within the context of other swallowing impairments. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12735935.

How Important Is Randomization of Swallows During Kinematic Analyses of Swallow Function?

Purpose In dysphagia research involving kinematic analyses on individual swallow parameters, randomization is used to ensure judges are not influenced by judgments made for other parameters within the same swallow or by judgments made for other swallows from the same participant. Yet, the necessity of randomizing swallows to avoid bias during kinematic analyses is largely assumed and untested. This study investigated whether randomization of the order of swallows presented to judges impacts analyses of temporal kinematic events from videofluoroscopic swallow studies. Method One hundred twenty-seven swallows were analyzed from 18 healthy adults who underwent standardized videofluoroscopic swallow studies. Swallows were first analyzed by two trained raters sequentially, analyzing all kinematic events within each swallow, and then a second time in random order, measuring one kinematic event at a time. Intrarater reliability measurements were calculated between random and sequential swallow judgments for all kinematic events using intraclass correlation coefficient and percent exact agreement within a three-frame tolerance. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients (1.00) and percent exact agreement (89%) were excellent for all kinematic events between analyses methods, indicating there were no significant differences in measurements performed in random or sequential order. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that randomization may be unnecessary during temporal swallow kinematic data analyses for research, which may lead to more efficient analyses and dissemination of findings, and alignment of findings with clinical interpretations. Replication of this design with swallows from people with dysphagia would strengthen the generalizability of the results.

Hyoid-complex elevation and stimulation technique restores swallowing function in patients with lateral medullary syndrome: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

A swallowing disorder may occur following a brainstem stroke, especially one that occurs in the swallowing centers. Lateral medullary syndrome (referred to as LMS), a rare condition in which a vascular event occurs in the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery or the vertebral artery, has been reported to lead to more severe and longer lasting dysphagia.

CASE SUMMARY

We report two patients with dysphagia due to LMS and propose a novel technique named hyoid-complex elevation and stimulation technique (known as HEST). The two patients had no other functional incapacity back into life, but nasogastric feeding was the only possible way for nutrition because of severe aspirations. Swallowing function was evaluated by functional oral intake scale, modified water swallow test, surface electromyographic signal associated with video fluorography swallowing study to assess the situation of aspiration, pharyngeal residue, pharyngeal peristalsis, upper esophageal opening and the ability of deglutition. Both patients were treated with the HEST method for dysphagia and recovered quickly.

CONCLUSION

HEST is effective for shortening the in-hospital time and improving the quality of life for patients with dysphagia who suffer from LMS and likely other strokes.

Physiological Compensation for Advanced Bolus Location at Swallow Onset: A Retrospective Analysis in Healthy Seniors

Purpose Previous work has established that advanced bolus location at swallow onset (BLSO) alone is not correlated with an increased swallowing safety risk in healthy seniors. The primary goal of this retrospective study was to examine whether healthy seniors systematically alter their laryngeal vestibule closure reaction time (LVCrt) to maintain a safe swallow in the context of advanced BLSO. The secondary goal was to determine if longer LVCrt distinguished Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS; Rosenbek, Robbins, Roecker, Coyle, & Wood, 1996) scores of 1 versus 2. Method Videofluoroscopy studies from 43 healthy seniors (21 men, 22 women; M _age = 76.7 years, SD = 7.2) were analyzed. LVCrt was calculated for 3 × 5 ml and 3 × 20 ml thin liquid barium boluses per participant. PAS and BLSO (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile Component 6) were scored for all swallows. Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > .75) was established on all measures. A linear mixed-effects regression was run to examine the effect of PAS and BLSO on LVCrt while controlling for bolus volume and repeated swallow trial. Results There was a main effect of BLSO (F = 4.6, p = .004) and PAS (F = 29.3, p < .001) on LVCrt. Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that LVCrt was significantly faster in BLSO scores of 3 (pyriforms) compared to scores of both 0 (posterior angle of the ramus) and 1 (valleculae). Significantly prolonged LVCrt was observed in PAS scores of 2 in comparison to 1. No significant main effects of bolus volume or trial, or interactions, were observed. Conclusions Our findings suggest that healthy seniors compensate for advanced BLSO by increasing their LVCrt. Furthermore, faster LVCrt was shown to distinguish PAS scores of 1 versus 2. Additional work should explore the relationship between LVCrt, BLSO, and PAS scores in dysphagic populations, specifically those with known sensory impairments.

Impaired Movement Scaling and Reduced Synchrony with Vestibule Closure Characterize Swallowing in Severe Dysphagia

The contribution of hyoid and laryngeal movement deficits to penetration or aspiration in dysphagia is unclear, partly due to large variations in normal hyolaryngeal kinematics for swallowing. In healthy volunteers, laryngeal and hyoid kinematics relate to the requirements for laryngeal vestibule closure suggesting a central schematic control of movement magnitude and patterning for airway protection. Our first aim was to determine if patients with severe dysphagia showed evidence of an impaired swallowing schema, by examining if their kinematic measures were related to their hyolaryngeal space before swallow onset, and if hyolaryngeal movement synchrony for vestibule closure was disrupted. Our second aim was to determine the kinematic measures that predicted bolus penetration and aspiration in dysphagia. The methods included two-dimensional measures of the hyoid and laryngeal anterior and superior displacement and velocity, and the change in laryngeal vestibule area made from videofluoroscopic swallow recordings of 21 healthy volunteers and 21 patients with dysphagia on tube feeding secondary to the stroke or head and neck cancer. The results demonstrated that the patients did not adapt their hyolaryngeal movements during swallowing to their initial hyolaryngeal space. Further, none of the patients' measures of hyoid or laryngeal peak velocity timing were synchronized with vestibule closure, demonstrating a disorganized movement patterning. Laryngeal elevation peak velocity independently predicted penetration and aspiration. In conclusion, the central schema for swallowing patterning was disturbed, impairing the integration of kinematic actions for airway protection in severe dysphagia, while laryngeal peak elevation velocity predicted penetration and aspiration on patient swallows.

A Systematic Review of Physiological Changes in Swallowing in the Oldest Old

Age-related swallowing changes are well-researched in deglutology, usually distinguishing those over 60 years as older aged. World-wide, older adults are healthier and forecast to live longer: many over 85 years. It is necessary for clinicians to understand healthy swallowing changes in this 'oldest old' in order to appropriately manage swallowing complaints in older patients. This systematic review collated and critically appraised studies investigating swallowing changes in adults over 85 years using instrumental assessment. Criteria for inclusion were healthy subjects over 85 years. Exclusion criteria included studies focused on anatomy and oral processing. Studies published until December 2018 were retrieved from BIOSIS, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Scopus, totaling 2125 articles. During data screening, 64% of studies investigating age-related swallowing changes were excluded, as the oldest old were not recruited. After PRISMA screening, 44 articles met criteria. These were further reviewed for data extraction, bias and quality. Main quantitative age-related changes in swallowing included increases in delay in swallow onset, bolus transit times, duration of UES opening, pressure above the UES and UES relaxation pressure, and reduction in pressure at the UES. Few studies detected increased residue or airway compromise in the form of aspiration. Results were not easily comparable due to differences in age ranges, methods for deeming participants 'healthy', measures used to define swallowing physiology, and swallowing tasks. Age-related swallowing changes are identified that do not compromise safety. The oldest old are underrepresented in normative deglutition research. It is essential future studies plan accordingly to recruit those over 85 years.

Swallowing evaluation in patients without restriction of oral food three months after ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Our hypothesis was that even patients without complaints and without evident clinical signs of dysphagia three months after ischemic stroke, may have swallowing alterations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, by videofluoroscopy, swallowing pattern of ischemic stroke patients without symptomatic dysphagia or restriction of food intake.

METHOD

Videofluoroscopic examinations were performed in 33 ischemic stroke patients three to five months after the accident, and 19 healthy volunteers. Oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing were evaluated after swallowing of 5 mL and 10 mL of liquid and paste boluses, and after swallowing of a solid bolus, in duplicate and in a random sequence.

RESULTS

Stroke patients had higher frequency of head movement, multiple swallows, premature spilage and vallecular residue than volunteers, after swallowing of 5 mL liquid bolus. There was no difference between patients and volunteers in oral and pharyngeal transit, except for a longer oral preparation for a 5 mL liquid bolus in patients. Changes in swallowing caused by increases in bolus volume and consistency were not different between patients and volunteers.

CONCLUSION

No significant changes in swallowing dynamics were found in patients with no dysphagia symptoms and no restriction of food intake three months after isquemic stroke.

Functional Modules of Pharyngeal Swallowing Mechanics

OBJECTIVES

The present retrospective cohort study aims to test the hypothesis that elements of swallowing mechanics including hyoid movement, laryngeal elevation, tongue base retraction, pharyngeal shortening, pharyngeal constriction, and head and neck extension can be grouped into functional modules, and that these modules are predictably altered in disease states.

METHODS

Modified barium swallow video clips of a thick and a thin liquid swallow from 40 normal patients and 10 dysphagic post-treatment oropharyngeal head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients were used in this study. Coordinate locations of 12 anatomical landmarks mapping pharyngeal swallowing mechanics were tracked on every frame during the pharyngeal phase of each swallow using a custom-made MATLAB tool. Morphometric modularity hypothesis testing was performed on these coordinate data to characterize the modular elements of swallowing function in each cohort using MorphoJ software.

RESULTS

The elements of normal swallowing can be grouped into four functional modules including bolus propulsion, pharyngeal shortening, airway protection, and head and neck posture. Modularity in HNC patient showed an intact airway protection module but altered bolus propulsion and pharyngeal shortening modules. To cross-validate the alteration in modules, a post hoc analysis was performed, which showed significantly increased vallecular (P < .04) and piriform (P < .05) residue but no significant change in aspiration status in the HNC cohort versus controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that while pharyngeal swallowing mechanics is highly complex, the system is organized into functional modules, and that changes in modularity impacts swallowing performance. This approach to understanding swallowing function may help the patient care team better address swallowing difficulties.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b.

Disruption of the Obligatory Swallowing Sequence in Patients with Wallenberg Syndrome

Although the sequence of events involved in swallowing varies among healthy adults, healthy adults demonstrate some consistent patterns, including opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) prior to maximum laryngeal elevation (LE). Previous animal studies suggested that swallowing is regulated by a neuronal network in the medulla, and lateral medullary infarction, or Wallenberg syndrome, frequently causes dysphagia. This retrospective, observational, multicenter study aimed to determine if the sequence of swallowing events was disturbed in patients with Wallenberg syndrome compared with previously published reference data for healthy adults. The study subjects included 35 patients with Wallenberg syndrome admitted to three hospitals in Japan from 1/4/2009 to 31/3/2017. Sixteen timing events, including maximum LE and UES opening, and the intervals between events were measured. If the sequence of events was the same as in healthy adults, the interval value was positive, and if the sequence of events was opposite to that in healthy adults, the value was negative. The median interval from UES opening to maximum LE was - 0.02 s (range - 0.80 to 0.89, 95% CI - 0.14 to 0.10). About half of the Wallenberg cases showed negative values indicating that the sequence was reversed. These results suggest that lateral medullary infarction impairs the sequence of swallowing events.

Swallow Event Sequencing: Comparing Healthy Older and Younger Adults

Previous research has established that a great deal of variation exists in the temporal sequence of swallowing events for healthy adults. Yet, the impact of aging on swallow event sequence is not well understood. Kendall et al. (Dysphagia 18(2):85-91, 2003) suggested there are 4 obligatory paired-event sequences in swallowing. We directly compared adherence to these sequences, as well as event latencies, and quantified the percentage of unique sequences in two samples of healthy adults: young (< 45) and old (> 65). The 8 swallowing events that contribute to the sequences were reliably identified from videofluoroscopy in a sample of 23 healthy seniors (10 male, mean age 74.7) and 20 healthy young adults (10 male, mean age 31.5) with no evidence of penetration-aspiration or post-swallow residue. Chi-square analyses compared the proportions of obligatory pairs and unique sequences by age group. Compared to the older subjects, younger subjects had significantly lower adherence to two obligatory sequences: Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) opening occurs before (or simultaneous with) the bolus arriving at the UES and UES maximum distention occurs before maximum pharyngeal constriction. The associated latencies were significantly different between age groups as well. Further, significantly fewer unique swallow sequences were observed in the older group (61%) compared with the young (82%) (χ2 = 31.8; p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that paired swallow event sequences may not be robust across the age continuum and that variation in swallow sequences appears to decrease with aging. These findings provide normative references for comparisons to older individuals with dysphagia.

Influence of Body Height on Oral and Pharyngeal Transit Time of a Liquid Bolus in Healthy Volunteers

BACKGROUND

Swallowing duration may be influenced by several factors. The effect of body height on oral-pharyngeal bolus transit has not been clearly elucidated. The hypothesis of this investigation was that height has influence on oral-pharyngeal transit time of a liquid bolus.

METHODS

Videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing was performed on 40 healthy volunteers: 20 "tall" (171 cm to 207 cm) and 20 "short" (152 cm to 170 cm) subjects, 10 men and 10 women in each group. Each subject performed three swallows of 10 mL of liquid barium bolus. The following parameters were measured: oral transit time (OTT): time from the beginning of tongue tip movement at incisors to arrival of the bolus tail at the fauces; pharyngeal transit time (PTT): time between the arrival of the bolus tail at fauces and complete passage of the bolus tail through the upper esophageal sphincter (UES); pharyngeal clearance (PC): time between the arrival of the bolus head at fauces to complete passage of the bolus tail through the UES; UES opening (UESO): time between the arrival of the bolus head at the UES to complete passage of the bolus tail through the UES; duration of hyoid movement (HM): time interval between the onset and the end of hyoid movement; oral-pharyngeal transit time (OPTT): time from the beginning of tongue tip movement at incisors until complete passage of the bolus tail through the UES. The statistical analysis was done by a linear model with mixed effects. Correlation between height and swallowing events duration was assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient (r).

RESULTS

In women OTT, PC, HM and OPTT were longer in tall than in short subjects, what was not seen in men. In women there was a positive correlation between OTT, PTT and OPTT and height. Men (mean height: 177 cm) had longer PTT and PC than women (mean height: 166 cm).

CONCLUSIONS

In women, oral and pharyngeal transit time of a 10 mL liquid bolus were influenced by height and was longer in taller subjects.

Detection of Swallow Kinematic Events From Acoustic High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation Signals in Patients With Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether there were any associations between high-resolution cervical auscultation (HRCA) acoustic signals recorded by a contact microphone and swallowing kinematic events during pharyngeal swallow as assessed by a videofluoroscopic (VF) examination.

DESIGN

Prospective pilot study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital, university research laboratories.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=35) with stroke who have suspected dysphagia (26 men + 9 women; age = 65.8±11.2).

METHODS

VF recordings of 100 liquid swallows from 35 stroke patients were analyzed, and a variety of HRCA signal features to characterize each swallow were calculated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percent of signal feature maxima (peak) occurring within 0.1 seconds of swallow kinematic event identified from VF recording.

RESULTS

Maxima of HRCA signal features, such as standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, centroid frequency, bandwidth, and wave entropy, were associated with hyoid elevation, laryngeal vestibule closure, and upper esophageal sphincter opening, and the contact of the base of the tongue and posterior pharyngeal wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the kinematic source of HRCA acoustic signals has yet to be fully elucidated, these results indicate a strong relationship between these HRCA signals and several swallow kinematic events. There is a potential for HRCA to be developed for diagnostic and rehabilitative clinical management of dysphagia.

A review of swallow timing in the elderly

Many studies evaluate dysphagia in elderly patients and compare their swallowing to younger controls to assess the degree of swallowing impairment. Previous research suggests that changes should be expected in swallowing due to aging, and these changes need to be considered when performing swallowing assessments. A systematic review was conducted to elucidate the timing of swallowing in healthy. A comprehensive multiengine literature search was conducted to find articles studying swallowing in the healthy elderly, which yielded 22,852 articles of which 11 were judged to be relevant. Only articles using videofluoroscopy as an assessment method for swallowing timing were included. The articles underwent detailed review for study quality and data extraction. The eleven studies contained data for 32 different parameters, and 10 of the 11 studies compared elderly subjects to a younger group. Timing measures from the studies were compiled for analysis. In general, bolus transit times do not appear to change with age. Of note, elderly subjects tended to have a significantly delayed swallow response times and longer duration of upper esophageal sphincter opening. Results showed a large degree of variability across studies for each of the timing measures. Confidence intervals for timing in healthy older participants were computed across studies. Potential sources of variation were identified, including methodological, stimulus-related and participant-related sources. The results suggests that aging affects only a few very specific swallowing timing parameters, and many parameters appear to be unaffected by aging. Therefore, significant differences from a young reference sample should be interpreted as dysphagia rather than normal changes due to aging.

Videofluoroscopic analysis of different volumes of liquid bolus swallowing in healthy individuals: comparison between height and sex

OBJECTIVE

The volume of swallowed bolus affects the pharyngeal transit duration. The sex and corporal height of individuals may likely influence this effect. The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of sex and corporal height on the pharyngeal transit modification produced by the swallowed bolus volume.

METHODS

Forty healthy volunteers, 20 men and 20 women, including tall (10 men and 10 women, corporal height: 1.71--2.07m) and short (10 men and 10 women, corporal height: 1.52--1.70m) persons, ranging in age between 20 and 50 years, were included in the study. Videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed with the subjects in the sitting position. Each individual swallowed three 5 mL and three 10 mL boluses of liquid barium in a random sequence. The durations of oral transit, pharyngeal transit, pharyngeal clearance, hyoid movement, upper esophageal sphincter opening and oral-pharyngeal transit were evaluated.

RESULTS

In men and women, and in taller and shorter individuals, the increase of the swallowed liquid bolus volume from 5 mL to 10 mL causes a faster transit of the bolus tail from the oral-pharyngeal transition to the upper esophageal sphincter and an increase in the duration of the upper esophageal sphincter opening, with similar alteration in men and women and in taller and shorter individuals.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the swallowed liquid bolus volume from 5 mL to 10 mL causes a faster pharyngeal bolus transit and a longer bolus transit through the upper esophageal sphincter, with similar alterations in men and women and in shorter and taller individuals.

The effect of bolus volume on laryngeal closure and UES opening in swallowing: Kinematic analysis using 320-row area detector CT study

This study investigated the effects of three different volumes of honey-thick liquid on the temporal characteristics of swallowing. Twenty-six healthy subjects (15 males, 11 females) underwent 320-row area detector CT scan while swallowing 3, 10 and 20 mL of honey-thick liquid barium. Three-dimensional images were created at 10 images/s. Kinematic events involving six structures (velopharynx, hyoid bone, epiglottis, laryngeal vestibule (LV), true vocal cords (TVC), upper esophageal sphincter (UES)) and timing of bolus movement were timed using frame by frame analysis. The overall sequence of events did not differ across three volumes; however, increasing bolus volume significantly changed the onset and termination of events. The bolus head reached to pharynx and esophagus earlier and the duration of bolus passing through UES was significantly longer in 10 and 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). Consequently, the onset of UES opening was significantly earlier with increased volume (P < .05). LV and TVC closure occurred later in 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). These changes in motion of pharynx and larynx appeared to promote swallow safety by preventing aspiration, suggesting that anatomical structure movements adapt in response to bolus volume. Our findings also suggest that the pharyngeal swallow behaviours may be modified by afferents in the oral cavity. The three-dimensional visualization and quantitative measurements provided by 320-ADCT provide essential benchmarks for understanding swallowing, both normal and abnormal.

Effects of chin-up posture on the sequence of swallowing events

BACKGROUND

Chin-up posture is frequently used to manage oral dysphagia after head and neck cancer. This prospective study investigates the effects of chin-ups on the sequence of pharyngeal swallowing events.

METHODS

Twelve healthy young adults performed 45 consecutive swallows of 5 mL water across 3 phases on videofluoroscopy: 5 swallows in the neutral head position; 30 swallows during chin-up posture; and 10 swallows in the neutral head position. Swallowing kinematic and bolus flow measures for 9 swallowing events were recorded. Linear trends were analyzed across 30 chin-up swallows; pairwise comparison was used to compare the 3 phases.

RESULTS

Time to hyoid peak and laryngeal vestibule closure changed abruptly during chin-up swallowing compared to the initial neutral position. No measure changed across 30 chin-up swallows. Time of hyoid burst decreased upon returning to the neutral position.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that chin-up posture challenges the pharyngeal sequence of events for both swallowing kinematics and bolus flow. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 947-959, 2017.

European Society for Swallowing Disorders - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia as a geriatric syndrome

This position document has been developed by the Dysphagia Working Group, a committee of members from the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, and invited experts. It consists of 12 sections that cover all aspects of clinical management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) related to geriatric medicine and discusses prevalence, quality of life, and legal and ethical issues, as well as health economics and social burden. OD constitutes impaired or uncomfortable transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus, and it is included in the World Health Organization's classification of diseases. It can cause severe complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory infections, aspiration pneumonia, and increased readmissions, institutionalization, and morbimortality. OD is a prevalent and serious problem among all phenotypes of older patients as oropharyngeal swallow response is impaired in older people and can cause aspiration. Despite its prevalence and severity, OD is still underdiagnosed and untreated in many medical centers. There are several validated clinical and instrumental methods (videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) to diagnose OD, and treatment is mainly based on compensatory measures, although new treatments to stimulate the oropharyngeal swallow response are under research. OD matches the definition of a geriatric syndrome as it is highly prevalent among older people, is caused by multiple factors, is associated with several comorbidities and poor prognosis, and needs a multidimensional approach to be treated. OD should be given more importance and attention and thus be included in all standard screening protocols, treated, and regularly monitored to prevent its main complications. More research is needed to develop and standardize new treatments and management protocols for older patients with OD, which is a challenging mission for our societies.

European Society for Swallowing Disorders - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia as a geriatric syndrome

This position document has been developed by the Dysphagia Working Group, a committee of members from the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, and invited experts. It consists of 12 sections that cover all aspects of clinical management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) related to geriatric medicine and discusses prevalence, quality of life, and legal and ethical issues, as well as health economics and social burden. OD constitutes impaired or uncomfortable transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus, and it is included in the World Health Organization's classification of diseases. It can cause severe complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory infections, aspiration pneumonia, and increased readmissions, institutionalization, and morbimortality. OD is a prevalent and serious problem among all phenotypes of older patients as oropharyngeal swallow response is impaired in older people and can cause aspiration. Despite its prevalence and severity, OD is still underdiagnosed and untreated in many medical centers. There are several validated clinical and instrumental methods (videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) to diagnose OD, and treatment is mainly based on compensatory measures, although new treatments to stimulate the oropharyngeal swallow response are under research. OD matches the definition of a geriatric syndrome as it is highly prevalent among older people, is caused by multiple factors, is associated with several comorbidities and poor prognosis, and needs a multidimensional approach to be treated. OD should be given more importance and attention and thus be included in all standard screening protocols, treated, and regularly monitored to prevent its main complications. More research is needed to develop and standardize new treatments and management protocols for older patients with OD, which is a challenging mission for our societies.

Exploring beyond the oral mucosa in patients affected with autoimmune blistering diseases: the importance of endoscopic procedures

Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) comprise several entities characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeted against structural proteins either in desmosomes or in the dermoepidermal junction of polystratified squamous epithelium. Patients develop blisters, erosions in cutaneous surfaces or mucosas. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic mucocutaneous lesions, the typical findings on histological studies and direct immunofluorescence assays, and the presence of specific autoantibodies against the epidermal antigens. It may not be possible for dermatologists to appropriately explore the nose and throat (NT). Thus, a clinical exploration by endoscopic procedures of NT may be a useful tool during the conventional dermatological exam. The aims of this review are to draw attention to the most frequent NT manifestations in AIBD patients, and underline the utility of endoscopic procedures to achieve a more successful and rationale management of patients. Additionally, we will provide brief information related to the anatomical structures and type of epithelium in NT areas which may explain the extent and type of NT involvement in AIBD. Endoscopic exploration in AIBD patients is important for several reasons. Firstly, it will allow the real NT mucosal involvement in each patient to be determined, thus making a differential diagnosis during the endoscopic exam possible, based on the localization of mucosal lesions. Secondary mucosal morbidity can also be ruled out. Secondly, the clinical response to treatment may be established, especially in NT mucosa, as these are anatomical areas subjected to important local traumas, and physiological functions such as breathing, swallowing, speech production and phonation may be damaged. Therefore, a multidisciplinary management in AIBD is mandatory by both dermatologists and otorhinolaryngologists, adding the clinical exploration by endoscopic procedures of NT to the conventional dermatological exam in all AIBD patients, irrespective of whether they exhibit associated symptoms.

The Effects of Age and Preoral Sensorimotor Cues on Anticipatory Mouth Movement During Swallowing

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoral sensorimotor cues on anticipatory swallowing/eating-related mouth movements in older and younger adults. It was hypothesized that these cues are essential to timing anticipatory oral motor patterns, and these movements are delayed in older as compared with younger adults.

METHOD

Using a 2 × 2 repeated-measures design, eating-related lip, jaw, and hand movements were recorded from 24 healthy older (ages 70-85 years) and 24 healthy younger (ages 18-30 years) adults under 4 conditions: typical self-feeding, typical assisted feeding (proprioceptive loss), sensory-loss self-feeding (auditory and visual loss/degradation), and sensory-loss assisted feeding (loss/degradation of all cues).

RESULTS

All participants demonstrated anticipatory mouth opening. The absence of proprioception delayed lip-lowering onset, and sensory loss more negatively affected offset. Given at least 1 preoral sensorimotor cue, older adults initiated movement earlier than younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoral sensorimotor information influences anticipatory swallowing/eating-related mouth movements, highlighting the importance of these cues. Earlier movement in older adults may be a compensation, facilitating safe swallowing given other age-related declines. Further research is needed to determine if the negative impact of cue removal may be further exacerbated in a nonhealthy system (e.g., presence of dysphagia or disease), potentially increasing swallowing- and eating-related risks.

Risk of swallowing-related chest infections in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications secondary to dysphagia may be encountered in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with NPC at risk of developing swallowing-related chest infections (SRCIs).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed on 217 patients with stage I to IVB NPC treated definitively with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (12.0%) developed SRCIs; 4 of these patients (15.3%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 9 (34.6%) died of the complication. The median time interval between completions of radiotherapy to the development of SRCIs was 24.5 months. Advanced age, recurrent disease, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were significantly associated with the development of SRCIs in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

SRCI is a common and potentially fatal complication for postirradiated patients with NPC. Advanced age, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and recurrent cancer were strong risk factors for postirradiated patients with NPC to develop SRCIs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1660-E1665, 2016.

The Sequence of Swallowing Events During the Chin-Down Posture

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of the chin-down posture on the sequence of swallowing events in healthy adults.

METHOD

Sixteen healthy participants performed 45 5-ml thin liquid swallows during videofluoroscopy: 5 neutral head position, 30 chin-down posture, and then 10 neutral head position. Eight swallowing events were measured: the time of hyoid burst, bolus head in the pharynx, bolus tail in the pharynx, laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC), upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, bolus head in the UES, bolus tail exiting the pharynx, and laryngeal vestibule opening (LVO).

RESULTS

Our key finding is that LVC was one of the first 3 swallowing events in 69% of neutral swallows and in 78% of chin-down swallows (p = .006). Also, LVO occurred last in 14% of chin-down swallows but never occurred last in the preceding neutral swallows (p ≤ .001). Thus, in chin-down swallows, LVC occurred earlier and LVO occurred later.

CONCLUSIONS

The chin-down posture may be beneficial for individuals with delayed onset of LVC and reduced duration of the LVC. Future studies are needed to examine this effect in individuals with dysphagia.

Electrophysiological Techniques to Evaluate Swallowing in Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Neurogenic dysphagia is a frequent condition that may result in serious complications. Despite high incidence of neurogenic dysphagia, the neurologist is not really interested in its clinical diagnosis and management. In this review, several neurophysiological methods are described to evaluate the neurogenic dysphagia. These kinds of assessment methods are important for early diagnosis and some management strategies against to progressive swallowing pathology. The longitudinal follow-up of the patients also provides data about the prognosis of dysphagia. In our opinion, the neurophysiological methods presented in this review are reliable, cheap, and easy applicable quantitative tests to detect and follow both clinical and subclinical dysphagia. All these electrophysiological techniques can be applied within the discipline of the EMG laboratory.

Implementation of high-resolution manometry in the clinical practice of speech language pathology

Visual imaging modalities, videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow, for assessment of oropharyngeal dysphagia have been part of the speech language pathologist's (SLPs) armamentarium for the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia for decades. Recently, the addition of high-resolution manometry (HRM) has enabled the SLP to evaluate pharyngeal pressures and upper esophageal sphincter relaxation. Taken together, the use of visual imaging modalities with HRM can improve interpretation of swallowing physiology and facilitate more effective treatment planning. The goal of this article is to describe a clinical paradigm using HRM as an adjunct to VFSS, by the SLP, in the assessment of complex dysphagia. Moreover, in three cases described, the value of manometric measurements in elucidating swallowing imaging studies and documenting physiologic change in response to treatment is highlighted. As technology in this area is evolving, so will the clinical use of HRM by the SLP. Limitations of current HRM systems and applications are discussed.

Temporal characteristics of hyolaryngeal structural movements in normal swallowing

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the relationship between movements of hyolaryngeal structures and fluid bolus transition in normal swallowing using automatized kinematic analysis of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, descriptive study.

METHODS

Seventy-five healthy volunteers underwent VFSS with 2 mL of diluted barium. The timing and sequence of structural movements were measured for laryngeal elevation (LE), hyoid excursion (HE), epiglottic rotation (ER), and fluid bolus transition.

RESULTS

The rapid movement of LE (reference time point) was initiated simultaneously with the fluid bolus head passing the mandibular angle (-0.05 s, P = .07), followed by rapid onset of HE with significant temporal difference (P < .001). After the hyoid onset, onset of ER (0.17 s, P < .001), entrance of the bolus through upper esophageal sphincter (0.33 s, P < .001), maximal point of LE (0.52 s, P < .001), HE (0.53 s, P = .344), and maximal point of ER (0.64 s, P < .001) followed sequentially. For subgroup analysis, we classified 50 subjects without premature bolus loss (PBL) or pharyngeal triggering delay (PTD) into the "early group," and 24 subjects with PBL or PTD for <1 s into the "late group." In both groups, the sequence of the structural movements did not change. The early group showed significant correlation between the fluid transition and structural movements; both LE and HE were initiated when the bolus passed the mandibular angle, and the ER was initiated when the bolus reached the vallecula.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a characteristic pattern of hyolaryngeal structural movements in normal swallowing. The results may serve as a basis for classifying and analyzing aspiration patterns in patients with dysphagia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.

Electrophysiological evaluation of oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative movement disorder that typically affects elderly patients. Swallowing disorders are highly prevalent in PD and can have grave consequences, including pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration and mortality. Neurogenic dysphagia in PD can manifest with both overt clinical symptoms or silent dysphagia. Regardless, early diagnosis and objective follow-up of dysphagia in PD is crucial for timely and appropriate care for these patients. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the electrophysiological methods that can be used to objectively evaluate dysphagia in PD. We discuss the electrophysiological abnormalities that can be observed in PD, their clinical correlates and the pathophysiology underlying these findings.

Effect of bolus volume on pharyngeal swallowing assessed by high-resolution manometry

OBJECTIVE

Solid-state high-resolution manometry (HRM) is fast becoming the gold standard for studying pharyngeal and esophageal motility. However, very few studies have ever evaluated the effect of bolus volume on the physiology of swallowing using HRM. We aimed to determine the effect of bolus volume on pressure, duration and velocity of the hypopharynx as well as the upper esophageal sphincter during pharyngeal swallowing using HRM.

METHODS

Thirty-four healthy subjects completed nine swallows (3 ml, 5 ml and 10 ml of water, thick liquid, and paste, respectively) in the natural sitting position. Pressure and duration measurements were acquired from the hypopharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) using HRM. The UES residual pressure, UES relaxation duration, maximum preopening UES pressure, maximum postclosure UES pressure, maximum hypopharyngeal pressure, maximum hypopharyngeal pressure rise rate and hypopharyngeal pressure duration were analyzed across bolus volumes using repeated measures of one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

A significant increase in UES residual pressure associated with increased bolus volume during water and paste swallowing was observed. Furthermore, UES relaxation duration was significantly increased with increasing in bolus volume for all three material swallows. No significant volume effects were found on the hypopharynx.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, bolus volume has a significant effect on the residual pressure and relaxation duration, but no effect on maximum preopening pressure or maximum postclosure pressure of the UES. Maximum hypopharyngeal pressure, maximum hypopharyngeal pressure rise rate and pressure duration were also not affected by bolus volume. Consideration of these variables is paramount in understanding normal and pathological swallowing.

Event sequence variability in healthy swallowing: building on previous findings

This study builds on previous work by Kendall, Leonard, and McKenzie, which investigated event sequence variability for 12 paired events during swallowing by healthy volunteers. They identified four event pairs that always occurred in a stereotyped order and a most common occurring overall order of events during swallowing. In the current study, we investigated overall event sequencing and the same four paired events in a sample of swallows by healthy young (under 45 years old) volunteers. Data were collected during a 16-swallow lateral videofluoroscopy protocol, which included manipulations of bolus volume, barium density, bolus viscosity, and swallow cueing. Our results agreed with previous findings that variable event sequencing is found in healthy swallowing, and, in regard to obligatory sequencing of two paired events, movement of the arytenoids toward the base of the epiglottis begins prior to upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening and maximum hyolaryngeal approximation occurs after UES opening. However, our data failed to replicate the previous findings that there is obligatory sequencing of maximum pharyngeal constriction after maximal UES distension and the UES opens before bolus arrival at the UES. The most common observed overall event sequence reported by Kendall et al. was observed in only 4/293 swallows in our dataset. Manipulations of bolus volume, bolus viscosity, barium concentration, swallow cueing, and swallow repetitions could not completely account for the differences observed between the two studies.

Análise quantitativa da deglutição orofaríngea em indivíduo gastrostomizado com Lipofuscinose Ceróide Neuronal: relato de caso

A presença de disfagia orofaríngea infantil na população com afecções genéticas ainda é pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) e o tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) em um indivíduo com diagnóstico genético clínico de Lipofuscinose Ceróide Neuronal (LCN) com disfagia orofaríngea grave. Indivíduo com LCN, 3 anos de idade, gastrostomizado há dois anos e sem via oral parcial, histórico de déficit de ganho de peso anterior a via alternativa de alimentação, porém sem complicações pulmonares. A deglutição orofaríngea foi estudada por meio de videofluoroscopia de deglutição e análise quantitativa da deglutição com uso de software específico para tal avaliação. Na análise quantitativa do TTOT e TTF constatou-se, respectivamente, 45,37 segundos (padrão de normalidade em criança é de 4 segundos) e de 4,53 segundos para o TTF. Constatou-se significante aumento nos tempos de trânsito orofaríngeo neste indivíduo, sendo que a disfagia orofaríngea, parte do quadro desta criança com diagnóstico de LCN, deve ser investigada e acompanhada durante a evolução da doença. Uma avaliação da deglutição orofaríngea e acompanhamento nos indivíduos com esta condição genética deve ser realizada, considerando que essa alteração pode fazer parte do fenótipo desta condição e também pelo impacto que esse aumento nos tempos da deglutição pode ocasionar na condição nutricional e pulmonar desta população.

Study of oral, ear, nose and throat involvement in pemphigus vulgaris by endoscopic examination

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder characterized by the presence of suprabasal acantholysis and autoantibodies against desmoglein 3. There are two different clinical forms: mucocutaneous (MCPV) and mucosal (MPV). However, little is known about PV lesions in oral, ear, nose and throat (OENT) areas produced by the very dynamic of the anatomical structures involved in the functions of the aerodigestive tract.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the pattern of OENT manifestations in PV, and their relationship with physiological traumatic mechanisms in stratified squamous epithelial structures.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with MCPV (22 patients) or MPV (18 patients) was carried out at the University Clinic of Navarra. OENT manifestations were evaluated in all patients endoscopically. OENT involvement was divided into anatomical areas.

RESULTS

The most frequent symptom was pain, mainly on oral mucosa (87·5%). Buccal mucosa (90%), posterior wall of pharynx (67·5%), upper edge of epiglottis (85%) and nasal vestibule (70%) were the areas most frequently affected in the OENT mucosa. These localizations were related to physiological traumatic mechanisms in polystratified squamous epithelial structures.

CONCLUSIONS

OENT endoscopy should be included in the examination of all patients with PV. Knowledge of the most frequent localizations of active lesions on OENT mucosa in PV will help us to interpret more efficiently the findings from OENT endoscopy. Also, information related to traumatic physiological mechanisms on OENT areas must be offered to patients in order to avoid the appearance of new active PV lesions.

The effect of bolus viscosity on laryngeal closure in swallowing: kinematic analysis using 320-row area detector CT

The present study examined the effect of bolus viscosity on the onset of laryngeal closure (relative to hyoid elevation), the duration of laryngeal closure, and other key events of swallowing in ten healthy volunteers. All volunteers underwent 320-row area detector computed tomography swallow studies while swallowing 10 ml of honey-thick barium (5 % v/w) and thin barium (5 % v/w) in a 45° reclining position. Three-dimensional images of both consistencies were created in 29 phases at an interval of 0.10 s (100 ms) over a 2.90-s duration. The timing of the motions of the hyoid bone, soft palate, and epiglottis; the opening and closing of the laryngeal vestibule, true vocal cords (TVC), and pharyngoesophageal segment; and the bolus movement were measured and compared between the two consistencies. The result showed differing patterns of bolus movement for thin and thick liquids. With thin liquids, the bolus reached the hypopharynx earlier and stayed in the hypopharynx longer than with thick liquids. Among events of laryngeal closure, only the timing of TVC closure differed significantly between the two consistencies. With thin liquids, TVC closure started earlier and lasted longer than with thick liquids. This TVC movement could reflect a response to the faster flow of thin liquids. The results suggest that bolus viscosity alters the temporal characteristics of swallowing, especially closure of the TVC.

Temporal variability in the deglutition literature

A literature review was conducted on temporal measures of swallowing in healthy individuals with the purpose of determining the degree of variability present in such measures within the literature. A total of 46 studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed. The definitions and descriptive statistics for all reported temporal parameters were compiled for meta-analysis. In total, 119 different temporal parameters were found in the literature. The three most-frequently occurring durational measures were upper esophageal sphincter opening, laryngeal closure, and hyoid movement. The three most-frequently occurring interval measures were stage transition duration, pharyngeal transit time, and duration from laryngeal closure-to-UES opening. Subtle variations in operational definitions across studies were noted, making the comparison of data challenging. Analysis of forest plots compiling descriptive statistical data (means and 95% confidence intervals) across studies revealed differing degrees of variability across durations and intervals. Two parameters (UES opening duration and the laryngeal closure-to-UES opening interval) demonstrated the least variability, reflected by small ranges for mean values and tight confidence intervals. Trends emerged for factors of bolus size and participant age for some variables. Other potential sources of variability are discussed.

Symptoms of dysphagia in patients with COPD

OBJECTIVE

To identify symptoms of dysphagia in individuals with COPD, based on their responses on a self-perception questionnaire.

METHODS

The study comprised 35 individuals with COPD and 35 healthy individuals, matched for age and gender. The study group was assessed regarding COPD severity; sensation of dyspnea; body mass index (BMI); and symptoms of dysphagia. The control group was assessed regarding BMI and symptoms of dysphagia.

RESULTS

The most common symptoms of dysphagia in the study group were pharyngeal symptoms/airway protection (p < 0.001); esophageal symptoms/history of pneumonia (p < 0.001); and nutritional symptoms (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between the following pairs of variables: FEV₁ and BMI (r = 0.567; p < 0.001); pharyngeal symptoms/airway protection and dyspnea (r = 0.408; p = 0.015); and esophageal symptoms/history of pneumonia and pharyngeal symptoms/airway protection (r = 0.531; p = 0.001). There was a negative correlation between nutritional symptoms and BMI (r = -0.046; p < 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the individuals with COPD presented with symptoms of dysphagia that were associated with the pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing, as well as with the mechanism of airway protection, a history of pneumonia, and nutritional symptoms.

Gender effect on oral volume capacity

Studies have shown anatomical and functional differences between men and women with respect to the mouth, pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter, and esophagus. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the influence of gender, body mass index (BMI), age, and orofacial anthropometric measurements on the intraoral maximum volume capacity for liquid. The investigation included asymptomatic subjects, 56 females and 44 males, aged 19-53 years. The volunteers sucked water through a straw up to the maximum tolerated oral volume, which was greater in men (71.2 ± 15.0 ml) than in women (55.4 ± 13.4 ml). Age, BMI, height, and number of teeth had no influence on the intraoral tolerated volume. Anthropometric orofacial measurements were greater in men than in women. In individuals with height between 1.66 and 1.89 m, anthropometric orofacial measurements were greater in men than in women, and the tolerated intraoral volume was greater in men than in women. There was a positive correlation between orofacial measurements and intraoral maximum volume. In conclusion, men have the capacity to place a larger volume of water inside their mouth than women. This observation is associated with higher anthropometric orofacial measures, but not with age, number of teeth, height, or BMI.