A swallowing evaluation with simultaneous videoendoscopy, ultrasonography and videofluorography in healthy controls.
OBJECTIVE
A new bedside method for the evaluation of swallowing function was pursued.


METHODS
To compare our technique combining videoendoscopy (VE) and ultrasonography (US) with videofluorography (VF) in healthy controls, these images were displayed simultaneously.


RESULTS
The beginning of laryngeal elevation was identified by VF and US. Thereafter, the pharynx became invisible with VE. Then the bolus head passed through the tongue base and reached the vallecula and the piriform sinus. Laryngeal elevation was at maximum height for VF and US. The timing of elevation assessed by VF and US was almost equivalent. The distances and durations of the maximum laryngeal elevation, measured by US and VF, were almost equal and significantly positively correlated (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggested that our technique could demonstrate swallowing function as efficiently as VF.
Komori
Masahiro
M
Department of Otolaryngology, Takanoko Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan. komori@m.ehime-u.ac.jp
Hyodo
Masamitsu
M
Gyo
Kiyofumi
K
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods*