Findings of a Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study in Patients with Dysphagia

Abstract

Abstract Swallowing examination is crucial in patients with dysphagia. We aimed to compare qualitative and quantitative videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results to provide reference for standardizing quantitative parameters. In total, 117 patients with dysphagia were included, 38 with Parkinson's disease and 39 and 40 in convalescence following cerebral hemorrhage and infarction. VFSS was both qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Oral transit time differed between oral motor function grades (P < 0.001), swallowing reaction times differed between swallowing reaction duration grades (P < 0.001), and soft palate lift duration differed between the soft palate lift grades (P < 0.001). Superior hyoid bone movement (P < 0.001), anterior hyoid bone movement (P < 0.001), hyoid pause time (P < 0.001), and hyoid movement duration (P = 0.032) differed between the hyoid laryngeal complex movement grades, as did the pharyngeal cavity transit time among the cricopharyngeal muscle opening duration grades (P < 0.001). The laryngeal vestibule closure duration differed among the glottic closure grades (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in upper esophageal sphincter opening diameter (P = 0.682) or duration (P = 0.682) among the cyclopharyngeal muscle opening duration grades. The pharyngeal area at rest did not significantly differ among the different vallecular residue (P = 0.202) and pyriform sinus residue (P = 0.116) grades. The quantitative results positively correlated with qualitative. Further optimization of parameters is recommended.