Prevalence of penetration and aspiration on videofluoroscopy in normal individuals without dysphagia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of penetration and aspiration on videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) in normal individuals without dysphagia.


METHODS
Case series with planned data collection.


METHODS
A tertiary urban university hospital.


METHODS
Normal adult volunteers without dysphagia, neurological disease, or previous surgery underwent VFSS. Studies were recorded and then reviewed for evidence of penetration or aspiration. The degree of penetration was assessed with the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS). The effect of age, bolus size, and consistency was evaluated.


RESULTS
A total of 149 VFSS (596 swallows) were reviewed. The mean age of the cohort was 57 years (+/-19 years); 56 percent were female. Only one (0.6%) individual aspirated on VFSS. Seventeen (11.4%) individuals demonstrated penetration. The mean PAS for the entire cohort was 1.17 (+/-0.66). Prevalence of penetration by swallow was 2.85 percent (17/596). Prevalence of penetration was 9.3 percent in elderly individuals aged >65 years and 14.3 percent in adults aged <65 years (P = 0.49). Prevalence of penetration on a liquid bolus was 3.4 percent (15/447) and on paste was 1.3 percent (2/149) (P > 0.05). Prevalence of penetration for a bolus <30 cc was 2.34 percent (7/298) and for a bolus >30 cc was 5.4 percent (8/149) (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Aspiration on VFSS is not a normal finding. Penetration is present in 11.4 percent of normal adults and is more common with a liquid bolus.
Allen
Jacqui E
JE
Centre for Voice and Swallowing, University of California, Davis, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Ste 7200, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. Jacqueline.Allen@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
White
Cheryl J
CJ
Leonard
Rebecca J
RJ
Belafsky
Peter C
PC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D015995:Prevalence; D053120:Respiratory Aspiration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014741:Video Recording; D014783:Viscosity