Fluoroscopic surrogate for pharyngeal strength: the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR).
The pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), derived directly from videofluoroscopy without the need for manometry, requires validation as a surrogate for pharyngeal strength. A correlation of -0.70 was previously identified between PCR and pharyngeal clearing pressures (PP) on separate fluoroscopic and manometric studies. As PP increases, PCR decreases. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between PCR and PP in 25 patients undergoing simultaneous fluoroscopy and pharyngeal manometry. The effect of the manometric catheter on PCR was also investigated. The correlation between the PCR and averaged pharyngeal clearing pressures was -0.72 (p<0.001). All patients with a PCR>0.25 had a P <60 mmHg. PCR did not differ significantly as a consequence of the manometric catheter. Results suggest the utility of an objective fluoroscopic measure in assessing pharyngeal strength when manometry may not be available or possible.
Center for Voice and Swallowing, Department Otolaryngology/HNS, University of California, 2521 Stockton Blvd., Ste. 7200, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. rebecca.leonard@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Rebecca
R
Leonard
Catherine J
CJ
Rees
Peter
P
Belafsky
Jacqui
J
Allen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods