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Dysphagia (swallowing impairment) is a frequent complication of cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Recently published national guidance in the UK on rehabilitation after traumatic injury confirmed that people with cSCI are at risk for dysphagia and require early evaluation while remaining nil by mouth [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Rehabilitation after traumatic injury (NG211), 2022, https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng21]. While the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of dysphagia in cSCI remains unclear, numerous risk factors have been identified in the literature. This review aims to summarize the literature on the risk factors, presentation, assessment, and management of dysphagia in patients with cSCI. A bespoke approach to dysphagia management, that accounts for the multiple system impairment in cSCI, is presented; the overarching aim of which is to support effective management of dysphagia in patients with cSCI to prevent adverse clinical consequences.

Objectives: To evaluate videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) findings in infants with dysphagia and without prior diagnoses, and to characterize the outcomes and any diagnoses that follow. Methods: A chart review of all pediatric patients who received a VFSS at a tertiary children’s hospital from November 2008 to March 2017 was performed. Results: There were 106 infants (57 males and 49 females) with 108 VFSS. VFSS was normal in 18 (16.98%) infants. Regarding airway protection, 50 (47.17%) infants had laryngeal penetration, and 8 (7.55%) had tracheal aspiration; 3 (2.83%, 37.5% of all aspirators) exhibited silent aspiration. Of the 75 infants with minimum 2-year follow-up, 35 (46.67%) had no sequelae of disease and received no diagnoses. The most common diagnoses and pathologic sequelae were gastroesophageal reflux (n = 18, 24.00%), asthma (n = 8, 10.67%), laryngomalacia (n = 6, 8.00%), and tracheomalacia (n = 4, 5.33%), all consistent with United States pediatric data on prevalence. All infants (n = 51) with follow-up for dysphagia had resolution of symptoms within 9 months from VFSS order date. Conclusions: Otherwise healthy infants may show signs of dysphagia and not develop later illness. Parents can thus be counseled on the implications of dysphagia in a previously healthy infant. Our findings provide comparative statistics for future research in pediatric dysphagia.

The effectiveness of the chin tuck maneuver is still controversial, despite being widely used in clinical practice. The chin tuck maneuver has been shown to be able to reduce or eliminate aspiration in a group of patients with a number of favorable conditions, but its effectiveness in preventing or managing penetration remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate whether the chin tuck maneuver is effective in reducing penetration. Images from a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) taken from 76 patients with penetration were collected and reviewed retrospectively. The severity of penetration was assessed by the penetration ratio (ratio of the penetration depth to the length of the epiglottis) measured and calculated from the images in which the deepest penetration was observed. The penetration ratio was significantly decreased in the chin tuck posture compared with the ratio in the neutral position (p = 0.001). Significant reducing effect was observed in 26 (34.2%) out of 76 patients. When comparing other parameters of VFSS, residues in the vallecular and pyriformis sinuses were less severe in the effective group. Chin tuck significantly decreased residues in both effective and ineffective group. The results demonstrate that the chin tuck maneuver can reduce penetration, but its effectiveness is limited.

Introducción: Los trastornos de la alimentación y deglución (TAD) acompañan frecuentemente a la parálisis cerebral (PC). Su diagnóstico opor-tuno previene numerosas complicaciones. La evaluación clínica es el primer acercamiento a los TAD, pero resulta insuficiente para identificar situaciones de riesgo (penetración laríngea o aspiración). Para ello, es necesaria una evaluación instrumental como la videofluoroscopía (VFC). Objetivo: Describir y cuantificar los hallazgos de VFC en un grupo de niños con PC, entre 3 años y 6 años 11 meses, GMFCS I-V. Pacientes y Métodos: Se practicó una VFC a 50 pacientes con PC, previa determinación del nivel Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) e inexistencia de contraindicaciones para dicho examen. Además, se determinaron signos de incompetencia e inseguri-dad deglutoria, consistencias toleradas y requerimientos de posicionamiento, para facilitar el procedimiento. Resultados: Población predominantemente masculina, edad promedio de 5 años, 78% GMFCS III-V. Hasta el 94% tuvo una o más alteraciones videofluoroscópicas en alguna etapa del examen. El 28% no presentó capacidad de masticación, siendo todos GMFCS V. En efi-cacia deglutoria la alteración más frecuente fue el residuo vallecular (86%). En seguridad deglutoria fue el derrame posterior en la fase oral (68%). El 26% tuvo aspiración traqueal silente. En la fase esofágica, el 30% presentó tránsito esofágico lento y el 8% reflujo gastroesofágico. Conclusión: La VFC identificó alteraciones potencialmente riesgosas en todos los niveles GMFCS en niños portadores de PC, algunas de ellas silentes, incluso en casos de com-promiso motor leve.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal penetration, which is a less serious form of aspiration, should be considered in patients with stroke to ensure early detection of risk of laryngeal aspiration and prevention of pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: As a follow-up to a previous study that demonstrated the association of pharyngeal width to laryngeal aspiration, the present study sought to determine whether the pharyngeal width was related to not only laryngeal aspiration but also laryngeal penetration in patients with deglutition disorder following stroke. METHODS: The pharyngeal width on the roentgenogram was measured and compared based on the severity of aspiration. Moreover, the optimal cut-off points were determined for predicting the penetration and aspiration so that the difference between the penetration and the aspiration could be elucidated. RESULTS: The pharyngeal width of the patients was wider than the controls. The increase of the pharyngeal width by aspiration severity was more evident in the patients with chronic and right cerebral stroke. The optimal cut-off point of the pharyngeal width was approximately 1 mm lesser for the prediction of penetration than for aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: The pharyngeal width could be an ancillary method for detecting penetration and aspiration in stroke patients.

Computer-assisted analysis is expected to improve the reliability of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs), but its usefulness is limited. Previously, we proposed a deep learning model that can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration fully automatically in VFSS video images, but the evidence for its reliability was insufficient. This study aims to compare the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the computer model and human raters. The test dataset consisted of 173 video files from which the existence of laryngeal penetration or aspiration was judged by the computer and three physicians in two sessions separated by a one-month interval. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using Cohen’s kappa coefficient, the positive reliability ratio (PRR) and the negative reliability ratio (NRR). Intrarater reliability was almost perfect for the computer and two experienced physicians. Interrater reliability was moderate to substantial between the model and each human rater and between the human raters. The average PRR and NRR between the model and the human raters were similar to those between the human raters. The results demonstrate that the deep learning model can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration from VFSS video as reliably as human examiners.

BACKGROUND Despite the importance of understanding penetration-aspiration (PA) in patients with stroke, the pathophysiology of PA remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the temporal characteristics of PA in post-stroke patients in terms of the timing of the PA event and hyolaryngeal incoordination. METHODS Fifty-eight swallows (38 stroke patients), showing PA when swallowing a thin liquid, were included. The timing of PA was classified kinematically as before or during the swallow. The movement sequence of vertical laryngeal elevation, horizontal hyoid excursion, and epiglottic rotation were compared with healthy controls. Spatiotemporal measurements, videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale parameters were compared between subgroups. RESULTS Thirteen swallows (22.4%) were classified as PA before the swallow and 45 were classified as PA during the swallow (77.6%). Among the PA during the swallow, 26 (57.8%) swallows exhibited abnormal sequences of hyolaryngeal movements and 19 (42.2%) swallows showed normal sequences of hyolaryngeal movements compared with healthy controls. The onset time of horizontal hyoid excursion (P = 0.028), the time to maximal horizontal hyoid excursion (P = 0.010), and maximal epiglottic rotation (P = 0.030) were significantly more delayed in the PA during the swallow group than in the PA before the swallow group. In the swallows with abnormal sequential movements, the onset of horizontal hyoid excursion occurred significantly later than the onset of epiglottic rotation (P

OBJECTIVES To determine if children with laryngeal penetration on videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) who received feeding interventions (thickened liquids, change in liquid flow rate, and/or method of liquid delivery) had improved symptoms and decreased hospitalizations compared with those without intervention. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of children under 2 years with laryngeal penetration on VFSS at our institution in 2015 to determine initial and follow-up VFSS findings, symptom improvement at follow-up, and hospitalization risk before and after VFSS. Proportions were compared with Fisher exact test and hospitalizations with paired t tests. RESULTS We evaluated 137 subjects with age 8.93 ± 0.59 months who had laryngeal penetration without aspiration on VFSS. Fifty-five percent had change in management, with 40% receiving thickening and 15% a change in flow rate. There was significant improvement in symptoms for children that had feeding intervention and this improvement was the greatest with thickening (OR 41.8, 95% CI 12.34-141.69, P

Prospective cohort study.This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the recovery of penetration/aspiration and functional feeding outcome in patients with acute TCSCI.Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland METHODS: Forty-six patients with TCSCI were enrolled. All the patients received speech therapeutic interventions based on their clinical needs and were examined with a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) at enrollment. The incidence of VFSS-verified laryngeal penetration/aspiration according to Rosenbek's Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) served as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the level of functional oral intake (as per the Functional Oral Intake Scale; FOIS). Based on the PAS results, the patients were divided into two groups: (i) penetrator/aspirators (PAS score ≥3) and (ii) non-penetrator/aspirators (PAS score ≤2). Follow-up VFS studies were primarily conducted on the patients with penetration/aspiration in prior VFS studies. The follow-up VFS studies were scheduled on the basis of clinical demand.Of the 46 patients, 48% had penetration/aspiration in the first VFSS. The second VFSS was conducted on 20 patients, of whom 6 patients (30%) had penetration/aspiration. The third VFSS was conducted on 9 patients. Of these, only two (22%) patients were still penetrator/aspirators. The majority (n = 37, 88%) of the patients presented a total oral intake without restrictions at the time of the final follow-up. Only one patient (2%) was still tube-dependent with consistent oral intake.Swallowing physiology in patients with TCSCI improved during the first months after injury, and the number of penetrator/aspirators decreased progressively.

BackgroundNeonates undergoing heart surgery for CHD are at risk for postoperative gastrointestinal complications and aspiration events. There are limited data regarding the prevalence of aspiration after neonatal cardiothoracic surgery; thus, the effects of aspiration events on this patient population are not well understood. This retrospective chart review examined the prevalence and effects of aspiration among neonates who had undergone cardiac surgery at the time of their discharge.IntroductionThis study examined the prevalence of aspiration among neonates who had undergone cardiac surgery. Demographic data regarding these patients were analysed in order to determine risk factors for postoperative aspiration. Post-discharge feeding routes and therapeutic interventions were extracted to examine the time spent using alternate feeding routes because of aspiration risk or poor caloric intake. Modified barium swallow study results were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the test as a diagnostic tool.Materials and methodsA retrospective study was undertaken of neonates who had undergone heart surgery from July, 2013 to January, 2014. Data describing patient demographics, feeding methods, and follow-up visits were recorded and compared using a χ2 test for goodness of fit and a Kaplan–Meier graph.ResultsThe patient population included 62 infants – 36 of whom were male, and 10 who were born with single-ventricle circulation. The median age at surgery was 6 days (interquartile range=4 to 10 days). Modified barium swallow study results showed that 46% of patients (n=29) aspirated or were at risk for aspiration, as indicated by laryngeal penetration. In addition, 48% (n=10) of subjects with a negative barium swallow or no swallow study demonstrated clinical aspiration events. Tube feedings were required by 66% (n=41) of the participants. The median time spent on tube feeds, whether in combination with oral feeds or exclusive use of a nasogastric or gastric tube, was 54 days; 44% (n=27) of patients received tube feedings for more than 120 days. Premature infants were significantly more likely to have aspiration events than infants delivered at full gestational age (OR p=0.002). Infants with single-ventricle circulation spent a longer time on tube feeds (median=95 days) than infants with two-ventricle defects (median=44 days); the type of cardiac defect was independent of prevalence of an aspiration event.ConclusionsAspiration is common following neonatal cardiac surgery. The modified barium swallow study is often used to identify aspiration events and to determine an infant’s risk for aspirating. This leads to a high proportion of infants who require tube feedings following neonatal cardiac surgery.

Feeding neonates orally while on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is a common practice. We hypothesize that pressurized airflow provided by nCPAP will alter the swallowing mechanism in neonates, increasing the risk of aspiration during oral feeding. Infants receiving nCPAP with a RAM cannula and tolerating at least 50% of their feeding orally were included in the study (one term; six preterm infants). Each participant underwent a videofluoroscopic swallow study while on nCPAP and off nCPAP. A non-parametric signed-rank test was used for paired data. The incidence of deep penetration (P=0.03) and aspiration (P=0.01) decreased significantly off-nCPAP compared with on-nCPAP. However, the incidence of mild penetration (P=0.65) and nasopharyngeal reflux (P=0.87) remained the same under both conditions. Oral feeding while on-nCPAP significantly increases the risk of laryngeal penetration and tracheal aspiration events. We recommend caution when initiating oral feedings on nCPAP.

Background: In children with suspected aspiration, clinical swallow assessment (CSA) may be supplemented with video-fluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) to inform feeding management. Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of CSA, compared to VFSS and evaluate the impact of VFSS on feeding management and clinical status. Method: Retrospective case review of children who underwent CSA, followed by VFSS in a tertiary centre. Results: 113 children underwent VFSS at age 2.2 (0.1-17.9) years, median (range). Diagnoses were syndromic entities (38, 34%), CNS dysfunction (28, 25%), anatomic abnormalities (18, 16%), CNS malformation (7, 6%), neuromuscular disease (6, 5%) and other (16, 14%). 62% had laryngeal penetration or aspiration per CSA, compared to 38% per VFSS, p VFSS based feeding route recommendations differed significantly from those based on prior CSA, p=0.04. Following VFSS, the rate of orally fed children rose from 66% to 78%, p=0.006. However, exclusive gastrostomy feeding also increased, from 7% to 12%, p=0.005. In the year after VFSS, compared to the year prior, total hospital admissions fell from 364 to 252, p Conclusion: CSA overestimated the presence of overall swallowing abnormalities, but underestimated silent aspirations. VFSS led to change in feeding route and advice, which was associated with clinical improvement.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e correlacionar a funcionalidade bulbar com penetração e aspiração laringotraqueal em distintas consistências de alimento na Doença do Neurônio Motor (DNM). Método Participaram do estudo 18 indivíduos diagnosticados com DNM, independentemente do tipo e tempo da doença. Foi aplicada a escala Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised/BR (ALSFRS-R/BR), sendo analisado apenas o parâmetro bulbar que compreende fala, salivação e deglutição, com pontuação de 0 (incapacidade) a 12 (funcionalidade normal). Realizou-se videofluoroscopia da deglutição com aplicação da Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) descrita por Rosenbek et al. (1996). Realizado Teste de Correlação de Pearson. Resultados Considerando a consistência do alimento, o nível da PAS variou de 1 a 5 na consistência pastosa, de 1 a 4 na líquida espessada e de 1 a 3 na líquida rala, e não houve aspiração laringotraqueal. Para todas as consistências de alimentos, houve correlação negativa entre funcionalidade bulbar e penetração laríngea (pastoso: r=-0,487, p=0,041; líquido espessado: r=-0,442, p=0,076; líquido ralo: r=-0,460, p=0,073), porém somente na consistência pastosa houve diferença estatística significante, ou seja, indivíduos com baixa funcionalidade bulbar apresentaram maior nível de penetração laríngea. Conclusão Houve correlação negativa entre funcionalidade bulbar e penetração laríngea na DNM. Os parâmetros bulbares da escala ALSFRS-R/BR mostraram-se significantes para predizer risco de penetração laringotraqueal na consistência pastosa na DNM. ABSTRACT Objective Describe and correlate bulbar functionality with laryngeal penetration and/or laryngotracheal aspiration for different food consistencies in Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Methods Study participants were 18 individuals diagnosed with MND regardless of the type and time of onset of disease. The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised/BR (ALSFRS-R/BR) was applied, and only the bulbar parameter, which includes speech, salivation and swallowing, was analyzed, with scores raging from 0 (disability) to 12 (normal functionality). Swallowing videofluoroscopy was performed using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) described by Rosenbek et al. (1996). The Pearson correlation test was used for data analysis. Results According to food consistency, the PAS level ranged from 1 to 5 for puree consistency, 1 to 4 for thickened liquid, and 1 to 3 for liquid, and no laryngotracheal aspiration was observed. Negative correlation between bulbar functionality and laryngeal penetration was observed for all food consistencies (pasty: r=-0.487, p=0.041; thickened liquid: r=-0.442, p=0.076; liquid r=0.460, p=0.073), but statistically significant difference was found only for the puree consistency, that is, individuals with poor bulbar functionality presented higher levels of laryngeal penetration. Conclusion Negative correlation was observed between bulbar functionality and laryngeal penetration in MND. The bulbar parameters of the ALSFRS-R/BR are significant for predicting risk of laryngotracheal aspiration for pasty consistency in MND.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar se a modificação da voz após a deglutição relaciona-se com os dados do exame de videofluoroscopia. Método 27 indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea realizaram a gravação da vogal sustentada /a/ antes e após a deglutição durante exame de videofluoroscopia. Utilizou-se a escala GRBAS e acrescentou-se o aspecto voz molhada para avaliação dos dados. Em relação ao exame, verificou-se estase de alimento em valéculas e recessos piriformes, penetração laríngea, aspiração traqueal e grau de disfagia. Resultados Houve diminuição do grau de alteração e astenia e aumento da tensão fonatória após a deglutição, sem diferença para o parâmetro voz molhada. Obteve-se sensibilidade e especificidade de ±50% para estase em recessos piriformes e valéculas; porém, sensibilidade de 80% para detecção de penetração e de 66-75% para aspiração e modificação da tensão fonatória, com 77-91% de valores preditivos negativos para os três parâmetros de avaliação, sem correlação com o grau de disfagia. Conclusão A modificação dos parâmetros da escala GRBAS após a deglutição apresentou boa compatibilidade com achados da videofluoroscopia. ABSTRACT Purpose Verify whether voice modification after swallowing is associated with videofluoroscopic examination data. Methods 27 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia underwent recording of sustained phonation of vowel /a/ before and after swallowing during videofluoroscopy. The GRBAS scale and the wet voice parameter were used to evaluate the data. Videofluoroscopy results showed stasis of food in the valleculae and piriform recesses, laryngeal penetration, tracheal aspiration, and degree of dysphagia. Results Decreased dysphonia grade and asthenia and increased strain were observed after swallowing, with no difference for the wet voice parameter. Sensitivity and specificity of ± 50% were observed for food stasis in the valleculae and piriform recesses. Sensitivity values of 80 and 66-75% were observed for detection of laryngeal penetration and tracheal aspiration and modification of vocal strain, respectively. Negative predictive values of 77-91% were found for the three assessment parameters with no correlation with the degree of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Conclusion Modification of the GRBAS scale parameters after swallowing showed good compatibility with videofluoroscopy findings.

Objectives/Hypothesis Studies on young volunteers have shown that aerodigestive reflexes are triggered before the maximum volume of fluid that can safely collect in the hypopharynx before spilling into the larynx is exceeded (hypopharyngeal safe volume [HPSV]). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of aging on HPSV and pharyngo-glottal closure reflex (PGCR), pharyngo-UES contractile reflex (PUCR), and reflexive pharyngeal swallow (RPS). Study Design Comparison between two groups of different age ranges. Methods Ten young (25 ± 3 standard deviation [SD] years) and 10 elderly (77 ± 3 SD years) subjects were studied. PGCR, PUCR, and RPS were elicited by perfusing water into the pharynx rapidly and slowly. HPSV was determined by abolishing RPS with pharyngeal anesthesia. Results Frequency–elicitation of PGCR and PUCR were significantly lower in the elderly compared to the young during slow water perfusion (47% vs. 97% and 40% vs. 90%, respectively, P

Objective:To determine the effectiveness of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy on upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction in adults with upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction and neurological disease.Data sources:Published and unpublished studies with a quasi-experimental design investigating endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy effects on upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction in humans were considered eligible. Electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists of included studies were systematically searched.Review methods:Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed independently using the PEDro scale and MINORS tool.Results:Of 2938 records identified, 2 studies were eligible. Risk of bias assessment indicated areas of methodological concern in the literature. Statistical analysis was not possible because of the limited number of eligible studies.Conclusion:No determinations could be made regarding endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy effectiveness in the cohort of interest. Reliable and valid evidence on the following is required to support increasing clinical usage of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy: optimal candidacy selection; standardised post-operative management protocol; complications; and endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy effects on aspiration of food and laryngeal penetration, mean upper oesophageal sphincter resting pressure and quality of life.

Introduction/Background Epiglottic retroflexion seems to be an important mechanism of airway protection during swallowing. Although epiglottic dysfunction has been correlated with aspiration, the kinematics alterations underlying this condition remain unclear. Two distinct movements of epiglottic inversion were described in videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). The first epiglottic movement brings the epiglottis to a horizontal position and the second consists of its full inversion. Material and method Retrospective cohort study of 28 patients with post-stroke dysphagia admitted to our institution in 2017. Based on VFSS images, and in regard with the epiglottic mobility, two groups were assigned for comparison: one group with complete epiglottic inversion and other with partial inversion. Other parameters of VFSS were also compared. Results Of the 28 patients in the study, 68% were male (19) and 32% female (9); 28.6% of the patients had hemorrhagic stroke, 67.9% ischemic, and 3.5% ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic transformation. We found significant statistical correlation between epiglottic mechanics alterations and risk of laryngeal penetration (Fisher's exact-test; P = 0.036). Regarding other evaluated parameters, only the absence of the cough reflex was shown to statistically correlate with the risk of laryngeal penetration (Pearson's Chi2; P = 0.007). Conclusion The results suggest that epiglottis movement is an important mechanism to avoid penetration-aspiration. The absence of cough reflex in patients with laryngeal penetration (silent aspiration) emphasizes the importance of the VFSS. We are also of the opinion that this result may be related to the pre selection of patients with suspected silent aspiration. Further studies are needed to better understand the influence of these epiglottic movement alterations in the swallowing process.

This article reviews the current standard of care for the instrumental evaluation of swallow function using the modified barium swallow (MBS) and the functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Both the MBS and FEES are valuable procedures for evaluating dysphagia and show good agreement with diagnostic findings as related to tracheal aspiration, laryngeal penetration, pharyngeal residue, diet level, and compensatory swallow safety strategies. The use of the MBS and FEES has advantages and disadvantages and both should be considered the gold standard for evaluating swallow function.

Gastric reflux, and especially laryngopharyngeal reflux, occur several times a day in every infant. Most often, this does not pose any problem. However, in certain conditions, the contact between the refluxate and the upper airway mucosa can trigger several reflexes leading to cardiorespiratory inhibition. This is especially true for the laryngeal chemoreflexes, which are triggered by laryngeal penetration of gastric refluxate. The laryngeal chemoreflexes are held responsible for a subset of apnoeas of prematurity, many apparent life-threatening events, and probably some cases of sudden infant death syndrome. Although a number of experiments in newborn animals, as well as a few clinical studies in human infants, have been performed in the last 40 years to evaluate laryngeal chemoreflexes, their true role in neonatal cardiorespiratory events is still highly debated. In addition, many uncertainties persist with regard to treatment and prevention of their potentially dramatic consequences.

Videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF) is the gold standard in diagnosis and management of dysphagia. During VF, the patient ingests radiopaque foods and liquids, and oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stages of swallowing physiology are observed and evaluated. Aspiration is defined as passage of materials through the vocal folds, and laryngeal penetration is defined as passage of materials into the larynx, but not through the vocal folds. In this study, we compared the risk of laryngeal penetration or aspiration during VF using various liquid volumes and food consistencies. Between January 2006 and September 2008, 229 patients with suspected dysphagia each were fed at least 2 out of 6 types of liquids or foods during VF in an upright posture without compensatory maneuvers. The 6 types were pudding-thick barium of 4 ml (PD), thin liquid barium of 4 ml (LQ4) and 10 ml (LQ10), one swallow of thin liquid barium from a cup (CUP), corned beef hash (8 g) with barium (CB), and a two-phase mixture of corned beef hash (4 g) with barium and thin liquid barium of 5 ml (MX). The paired comparisons revealed that laryngeal penetration risk increased in the following order: PD, CB, LQ4, LQ10, MX and CUP, while aspiration risk after PD increased in the following order: CB, LQ4, LQ10, CUP and MX. Thus, risk of laryngeal penetration or aspiration varies, depending on food types. In conclusion, risk of aspiration is highest with the two-phase food, and multi-textured foods should be used with caution in individuals with dysphagia.

Objective. To evaluate the effects of occlusion status (i.e., open, finger, capped) of the tracheotomy tube and removal of the tracheotomy tube that may have upon bolus flow and durational measurements in nondysphagic persons requiring a tracheotomy tube.Study Design. Prospective, single subject, repeated measure design.Methods. Participants had their swallow evaluated with 5 mL pureed boluses using nasal endoscopy with the tracheotomy tube in place, removed, and under the following occlusion conditions: open, finger, and capped. The order of occlusion condition was randomized.Results. Aspiration was never observed but laryngeal penetration was a common finding. Durational measurements for swallow initiation and duration of white out were not significantly different by occlusion status or after removal of the tracheotomy tube.Conclusion. This study provides corroborating evidence demonstrating the lack of a relationship between a tracheotomy tube and swallowing dysfunction.

Objective To determine the rate of recovery of pediatric vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after cardiac surgery. Study Design and Setting Retrospective case series from January 2000 to 2005 at 4 tertiary care pediatric hospitals. Results A total of 109 children with VFP were identified. Of 80 patients with follow-up >3 months, 28 (35%) recovered vocal fold function with a median time to diagnosis of recovery of 6.6 months. Fifty-two (65%) patients had persistent vocal fold paralysis with a median follow-up time of 16.4 months. Twenty-five (45%) of 55 patients demonstrated aspiration or laryngeal penetration with modified barium swallow. Twenty-nine (27%) of the 109 patients underwent surgical intervention for their airway, feeding, or voice. Conclusions Pediatric VFP is not an uncommon complication after cardiac surgery and can result in serious sequelae. This study demonstrates a 35% rate of recovery, 45% rate of aspiration, and 27% rate of complications that require surgical intervention.

Although it is well known now that age affects swallowing function, few data have been reported for larger bolus sizes, such as 20 mL or sequential cup swallows, and few have reported data on the “oldest old,” or those older than 80 years. The purpose of this investigation was to provide data for future investigations on adults, ranging in age from 21 to older than 100 years, using thin liquid, puree, and solid boluses, ranging from 5 mL to 3 oz, and to add to the database regarding the effects of age, gender, bolus size, and bolus volume on swallowing function. Symptoms relating to swallowing dysfunction were also examined, including the presence of oropharyngeal residue and penetration-aspiration. Having incorporated data on larger swallows from older individuals than in the past and incorporating an 8-point penetration-aspiration scale, several findings emerged in this investigation that have not been clearly defined in prior research as being results of the aging process. Most prominently, it was observed that for older individuals laryngeal penetration is common, often with material remaining in the laryngeal vestibule after the swallow. Differences in oral transit duration and the duration of the onset of the pharyngeal swallow that may result from varying methodologies are also discussed. Implications are drawn for the appropriate evaluation and management of older adults with suspected dysphagia.

To describe the anatomical bases of the surgical access to the higher part of the thyroid lobe, with first location of the inferior laryngeal nerve at its laryngeal penetration, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this surgical technique and to determine the operational indications.A prospective study of surgical anatomy performed over a period of 18 months was conducted. A total of 25 (22 women and 3 men) patients with cervicothoracic goitre underwent total thyroidectomy. Thyroid lobectomies were performed using the technique of "capsular thyroidectomy", with first location and complete dissection of the inferior laryngeal nerve. A neurostimulator was systematically used for the location of the inferior laryngeal nerve and also the external laryngeal nerve.The first detection of the inferior laryngeal nerve at the top of the thyroid lobe was positive in 49/50 cases. A superior parathyroid gland was found in 75% of cases and an inferior parathyroid gland in 37.5% of cases. The external laryngeal nerve was stimulated and respected in 12,5% of cases. No voice trouble, no laryngeal palsy and no definitive hypoparathyroidism occurred after surgery.Safeguarding of the inferior laryngeal nerve is the principal and obligatory stake in thyroid surgery. Locating the inferior laryngeal nerve at the level of its laryngeal penetration at the superior pole of the thyroid region is necessary in cases of particular situations: huge cervicothoracic goitres, re-operative procedures and various anatomical variations. The use of a neurostimulator secures this technique.

This case series of three young children with type I laryngeal clefts is presented to demonstrate the utility of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in managing these patients. FEES revealed laryngeal penetration in a posterior to anterior direction in two patients and penetration from lateral to medial in the third patient. The type of laryngeal penetration helped in making the diagnosis of a type I cleft in two children and helped establish a safe feeding regiment in the third child. Patients with type I laryngeal clefts are often misdiagnosed, most likely resulting from the complex presentation of signs/symptoms and the difficulty of detecting small clefts with currently available tests. The pattern of laryngeal aspiration seen with FEES can help in diagnosis and management in this patient population.

Tracheostomy placement affects swallowing function, increasing the risk of aspiration. Recent studies suggest that because of increased risk of swallowing disturbance associated with tracheostomy, one-way speaking valve placement may help to reduce aspiration in tracheostomized patients. We hypothesize that airflow exhaled through the laryngeal cavity using the one-way speaking valve may improve the clearance of residual bolus from the upper airway, thus preventing bolus penetration and aspiration. We studied the effects of one way speaking valve placement on laryngeal clearance and swallowing physiology. Videoendoscopic and videofluoroscopic swallowing were examined in 16 patients with the tracheostomy, and swallowing was compared with and without the one-way speaking valve in place. Valve Valve placement significantly improved laryngeal clearance and the incidence of penetration during swallowing. placement did not, however, significantly affect pharyngeal bolus residue, laryngeal elevation, pharyngeal delay or aspiration. Factors associated with the resumption of oral feedings were sufficient laryngeal elevation during swallow and the prevention of laryngeal penetration and aspiration. We concluded that one-way speaking valve placement improves laryngeal clearance and prevents laryngeal penetration, resulting in better oropharyngeal swallowing physiology and oral feeding.

This study investigated the effects, if any, that the presence of a tracheotomy tube has on the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in patients with a known or suspected dysphagia. This was a prospective, repeated-measure design study. A total of 37 consecutive patients with a tracheotomy tube underwent a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Patients were first provided with pureed food boluses with the tracheotomy tube in place. The tracheotomy tube was then removed and the tracheostoma site was covered with gauze and gentle hand pressure was applied. The patients were then evaluated without the tracheotomy tube in place with additional puree. Aspiration status was in agreement with and without the tracheotomy tube in place in 95% (35/37) of the patients. The two patients who demonstrated a different swallowing pattern with regard to aspiration demonstrated aspiration only when the tracheotomy tube was removed. Laryngeal penetration status was in agreement with and without the tracheotomy tube in place in 78% (29/37) of the patients. For the majority of the patients, the removal of the tracheotomy tube made no difference in the incidence of aspiration and/or laryngeal penetration. Results of this study do not support the clinical notion that the patient's swallowing function will improve once the tracheotomy tube has been removed.

To examine the risk of aspiration for liquid versus paste bolus consistencies in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP).The swallowing function of adult patients with UVCP was prospectively studied videofluorographically to examine the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration for both liquid and paste boluses. The degree of penetration or aspiration was quantified using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS). The presence and location of pharyngeal bolus residue were also documented for each consistency. Results were compared between liquid and paste bolus consistencies.Fifty-five patients with UVCP were studied with a mean age of 60.2 years. Intrathoracic surgery or malignancy accounted for 38 (69.1%) of cases. The mean PAS scores for liquid and paste bolus consistency were 3.1 vs. 1.5, respectively (P0.001). The liquid bolus penetrated in 19 (34.5%) patients and was aspirated in 11 (20%) patients. In contrast, the paste bolus penetrated in 12 (21.8%) cases and was aspirated in 0 cases (P0.001). Pharyngeal residue was more likely to occur at the base of the tongue or vallecula for the paste bolus consistency versus the liquid bolus.A significant percentage of patients with UVCP will aspirate thin liquids. Paste bolus consistencies are safer for patients with UVCP as they are much less likely to lead to penetration or aspiration despite a higher prevalence of pharyngeal residue.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our investigation was to review a series of patients with epiglottic carcinoma to elucidate the clinical and videofluoroscopic findings in these individuals. CONCLUSION. Patients with epiglottic carcinoma often present with symptoms of aspiration or pharyngeal dysphagia of relatively brief duration in the absence of a preexisting neurologic disease. In this clinical setting, barium studies are useful not only for detecting the epiglottic carcinoma but also for delineating the presence and mechanism of laryngeal penetration or tracheobronchial aspiration.